Residents of Woodbaai in Brown’s Farm, Philippi, were horrified to discover the body of a young woman on their doorstep.
Police say Athenkosi Sodinga, 21, was raped and strangled to death.
Her body was found lying in between two shacks, a few metres from her home, just after 8am on Sunday morning.
Police spokesperson Constable Noloyiso Rwexana says: “Police were called to a scene and on arrival found the deceased lying on her stomach.
“It is suspected that she was raped and strangled as there were no visible injuries.
“Three people, two men and a woman, aged between 25 and 38, were taken in for questioning. The trio were the last people seen drinking with the victim. A case of murder and rape is being investigated.”
Residents say the young woman had been arguing with someone, which they believe led to her brutal death.
A resident who did not want to be named says Athenkosi had been skelling with another woman.
“They started arguing at 6am in the morning. Things got so bad they started swearing, then she [suspect] said to Athenkosi she will get her, next thing we found her body,” the resident says.
Neighbour Thozama Nini says they now live in fear after the gruesome discovery.
“We no longer feel safe here at home. We want justice for this young woman,” says Thozama.
Lusenethi Sodinga, 16, who last saw her sister alive on Saturday evening was too distraught to comment.
“I just feel sad,” Lesenethi said softly.