Carolina community up in arms after BRUTAL murders of elderly couple [Video]

The community of the small town of Carolina in Mpumalanga is fed up with the recent spike in violent crimes and is therefore planning a protest.

ELDERLY COUPLE WERE BRUTALLY STABBED TO DEATH

A group of residents, farmers, and workers gathered outside the courthouse earlier this week when the men accused of the brutal murders made their first court appearance.

The 63-year-old Leonora Steenkamp and her life partner, 82-year-old Renier Lens were brutally attacked and stabbed to death.

According to Liza Papenfus, daughter-in-law of Steenkamp, the couple was attacked last Saturday evening, but their bodies were only discovered on Tuesday.

THEIR BODIES WERE ONLY DISCOVERED ON TUESDAY

“Family members tried to get hold of them but could not. So the neighbour was asked to go and check-in. When she could not get an answer, she called the police who made the gruesome discovery.”

Panenfus said Steenkamp and Lens were brutally murdered. They initially thought the couple was hacked to death with pangas, but according to police, the couple was stabbed.

“The attackers broke one of the large windows and gained access to the house. It seems like the murderers came back the following day to come and steal more items, including the car.”

MURDERERS CAME BACK TO STEAL MORE THE NEXT DAY

According to police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli, the two pensioners were found murdered on Tuesday at a communal place in Carolina.

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“It is said that at about 07h10 am, police in Carolina were called to attend a crime scene at Voortkrekker Street in Carolina. According to the information, some concerned residents at the said communal became worried when they did not see their two elderly neighbours for a while and then contacted the police.

“Upon arrival at the place, police entered the house as both the door was not locked. The members then discovered the lifeless bodies of the couple. The two were unfortunately certified dead by the Emergency personnel at the scene,” Mdhluli said.

In a swift response from police, who within hours managed to connect the dots, four people were arrested in connection with the double murder.

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THE ALLEGED MURDERERS APPEARED IN CAROLINA COURT

“Police managed to connect their dots and uncovered that there were some items belonging to the victims, which appeared to have been taken by the suspects thereof,” he said.

Mdhluli said the stolen items included their Toyota Corolla and a firearm.

The said vehicle was found abandoned not far from the scene.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Mpumalanga provincial spokesperson Monica Nyuswa said the men appeared in court on Thursday. The case was postponed to 7 March 2022.

This is the day that the community will be protesting outside court.

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COMMUNITY TO PROTEST IN MARCH

Petrus Phakamile Sitho, an activist against farm murders, has asked South Africans to come together united in their numbers outside the court in Carolina. He said this is to show support to the affected family and show the government that South Africans are united across all races against crimes.

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Panenfus said as a family, they appreciate the support during this difficult time.

Steenkamp leaves behind three children and ten grandchildren.

“She loved her grandchildren so much. We are all still in a state of shock. No one deserves to die in such a brutal manner.”