A 32-year-old woman was raped and murdered at her home in Manavhela village in the Kutama area last week, but neighbours and other people staying nearby are tight-lipped – possibly fearing that the killer will turn on them. When Mirror visited the scene they indicated that they have not seen anything, but it was clear that few are prepared to risk the chance of later being asked to testify.

The murder occurred on Wednesday morning in Manavhela. From what could be established Mrs Olga Tshimangadzo Ratapa was last seen by neighbours at her house at about 08:00 that morning while doing her washing. A few hours later she was found lying dead, with her eight-year-old daughter helplessly crying next to her.

Her father, who is staying not far from her house, had to send a young boy to call her. The boy then discovered Ratapa´s lifeless body and alerted the family who called the police.

The spokesperson for the Tshilwavhusiku SAPS, Const Khakhu Maiwashe, confirmed the incident. “The incident happened at around 11:00 in the morning. Apparently, the deceased was raped before she was stabbed several times on her body. She died as a result of this,” she said.

Family members and the village residents were still shocked about the cruelty of this deed. Community members who spoke to Mirror at the scene indicated that they did not know or had not seen what had happened and that they did not want to get involved, because the police might expect them to testify in court. The actions of the community created the impression that the murderer may be known in the community, but people are reluctant to come forward with information.

Maiwashe urged community members to come forward with evidence, so that the guilty party can be arrested. “We are appealing to the community to cooperate with the police, so that the culprit can be arrested. Together, we can win the war against crime, so people must come forward with information,” she said.

Late this week, the police made more information available that may provide clues to the murder. Ratapa was also raped in November last year and a case was reported at the Tshilwavhusiku SAPS. No arrests were made, but Maiwashe confirmed that the investigations are continuing.

Meanwhile, community members and the family seem to have lost confidence in the police. “This tells us that the person who killed Ratapa is the very same person who raped her last November. The police are also not doing enough in terms of protecting us. They are failing the people,” they said.

Anyone with information can call the station at 015 519 6000.

Ratapa is survived by her two young children, aged 5 and 8 months.