Indrawathy Rampersadh was found dead in her home on Monday
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An 82-year-old woman was murdered in her Merebank home on Monday afternoon after a suspect posing as a beggar gained entry, leaving a Durban south community reeling and prompting a police manhunt.
Indrawathy Rampersadh was found dead at her Satara Road home at about 1.30pm by her son, Kishan Bridgelal.
The Post reported that according to a source close to the investigation, the attacker approached the house under the pretext of asking for assistance before targeting the elderly woman.
“The elderly woman was alone at the time. She was strangled and the suspect fled with her cellphone,” the source said.
Bridgelal, principal of Merebank Secondary School, arrived at the property while the suspect was still inside. His arrival is believed to have interrupted the attack, forcing the assailant to escape through a back door and over a fence.
Security responders and police later found Rampersadh lying on the floor near the lounge.
“My mum was frail, but she was still the glue that held our family together. It is devastating to know that someone took advantage of her in her old age,” Bridgelal said.
He described his mother as generous and deeply devoted to her family.
“She never worked a single day in her life. She was an amazing mother who was our personal family chef. We cannot imagine life without her, and her death has left us shaken,” he said.
Rampersadh is survived by three children, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Devan Govindasamy, spokesperson for private security company PT Alarms said its officers responded to the scene shortly before 2pm alongside Wentworth police.
Govindasamy confirmed that only a cellphone appeared to have been taken.
“It is believed that only a cellphone was stolen. We are working with police to trace and arrest the suspect. Investigations are ongoing,” he said.
Community leaders have raised concern about attacks on elderly residents.
Merebank Alliance spokesperson Pastor Victor Kupsamy said older people were increasingly being targeted.
“Senior citizens have seemed to become an easy target for crime due to their frailty,” he said.
Kupsamy urged residents to remain vigilant and check on elderly neighbours, particularly during the day when many are alone.
Rampersadh’s funeral is scheduled to take place on Wednesday.