A 56-year-old woman from Delft, Cape Town, has died in hospital after allegedly being kidnapped, held captive and severely assaulted at a house in Samora Machel.
Nomakhwezi Zitha reportedly left her home to go to work but never returned. Her family later learned that she had been found badly injured and tied up at a property in the area. She had reportedly been looking for a new home before her disappearance.
According to information shared on social media by a woman who identified herself as Zitha’s daughter, the victim had allegedly been communicating with someone who presented themselves as a housing agent. It is alleged that this contact ultimately led to Zitha being kidnapped and taken to a house in Samora Machel.
Police said Zitha was allegedly detained against her will and subjected to severe physical abuse. She was reportedly assaulted with a hammer and suffered multiple head injuries. There were also allegations that money was withdrawn from her bank account while she was being held captive.
Western Cape police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed that Nyanga police initially opened cases of kidnapping, theft and attempted murder following an operation by members of Operation Prosper on September 11 at Thabo Mbeki informal settlement.
According to police, officers found Zitha tied up and badly tortured at a premises in the area. She was immediately taken to hospital for medical treatment.
While she was receiving care, hospital staff circulated a notice appealing for relatives to come forward as they attempted to establish her identity and locate her family.
Zitha’s condition later deteriorated, and police confirmed that she died on September 14 as a result of multiple head injuries. Following her death, the attempted-murder investigation was changed to a murder case.
A suspect was arrested and appeared in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court on September 14. The matter was postponed to September 17 to allow police to continue with their investigation.
Police said the accused faces charges of murder, kidnapping and rape. The suspect remains in custody pending a formal bail application.
Authorities have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding the alleged kidnapping and assault, citing the sensitive nature of the investigation.
The case remains under investigation, and the allegations against the accused have not yet been tested in court.
Cape Argus reportedly contacted Zitha’s family for comment, but no response had been received by the publication’s deadline.
The incident has drawn attention to the dangers faced by people searching for accommodation, particularly when dealing with individuals who may falsely present themselves as legitimate housing agents. Authorities have urged caution when sharing personal or financial information with strangers during housing searches.
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