Durban - Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the rape and killing of a Catholic sister who was found dead in Ixopo two weeks ago, KwaZulu-Natal police said on Tuesday.
“The arrested suspects aged between 25 and 35 are due to appear in the Ixopo Magistrates Court tomorrow ( on Wednesday) facing murder, house robbery and rape charges,” said Major Thulani Zwane in a statement.
The three were found in possession of stolen property which were positively identified as property belonging to Sister Gertrud Tiefenbacher, 86, Zwane said.
He said it was alleged that Tiefenbacher, known as Sister Stefani, was at her residence when she was approached by suspects who allegedly tied her hands with a typewriter cord on April 18. Her face was also covered with a towel, causing her to suffocate, he said.
Foreign currency was allegedly taken from Tiefenbacher’s room.
“It is also suspected that the victim was raped before she was killed,” Zwane said.
KZN Commissioner Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni commended the task team for their hard work that led to the arrest of the suspects.
“We believe that some of the missing goods will be recovered as the members are still investigating the matter. I also wish to thank members of the community who responded to my call and provided information to the police which aided in the arrest of the suspects. We hope that justice will be served and these thugs are imprisoned for a long time,” she said.
