Atlantis man vas for allegedly hacking mother-in-law to death with an axe

A 35-year-old man is expected to appear in court in connection with the alleged murder of his 67-year-old mother-in-law in Atlantis, Western Cape. The woman was killed with an axe in late January, and the suspect was arrested earlier this week.

Mother-in-Law Hacked to Death in Atlantis

Provincial police spokesperson, Thembakazi Mpendukana, confirmed the incident. According to police reports, the murder occurred on Monday, January 26, at 1:20 a.m. at a residence in Pearl Mansion, Avondale.

“Atlantis SAPS has opened a murder case… against a 35-year-old male suspect who assaulted his 67-year-old mother-in-law to death with an axe,” Mpendukana said. The suspect was arrested on Monday, February 9, and will appear at Atlantis Magistrate’s Court once formally charged.

Authorities have not yet confirmed a court date for the suspect, as he remains hospitalised. Police have also not released a motive for the killing at this time.

Community and Organizations Respond

Allister Lightburn, Atlantis Ward Councillor, expressed shock at the crime. “Crimes like this break down the social and moral fibre of any community, and it can be seen as normal, which is not,” he stated, urging the community to combat gender-based violence.

Lightburn indicated he will oppose bail for the suspect and called for the legal system to proceed with the case. Anti-gender-based violence organisation Ilitha Labantu also condemned the killing.

Siyabulela Monakali, Ilitha Labantu’s spokesperson, stated that the continued killings of women in South Africa highlight the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence and femicide. “Every incident of fatal violence against a woman is a stark reminder that women remain at risk in homes, families and communities where they should be safe,” Monakali said.

Monakali emphasized that the perpetrators are often known to the victims and that violence frequently occurs within domestic settings. He urged the criminal justice system to handle the matter with the seriousness it deserves, calling for firm and consistent accountability in cases of fatal violence against women.