The heartbroken family of a woman whose decapitated body was found dumped in bushes along Baden Powell Drive say after six months they are still unable to bury her as officials keep stalling.
Patricia Williams, 40, was found beheaded near Strandfontein in August 2020.
Her sister Sharon Hermanus, 46, says the mother of six has been haunting her dreams, asking to be buried.
She is now begging police and officials at Salt River Mortuary to complete their investigation so she can lay her sister to rest and care for the six grieving children.
Sharon says she found out about her sister’s horrific death in the Daily Voice.
She explains that at the time, Patricia was living with her boyfriend in the bos.
“We knew nothing. We didn’t even know she was missing. She came here sometimes and I gave her food and so on,” says Sharon.
“I would always ask her to come live with us because she told me of some of the things that happened in that bush.
“I saw the whole thing in the newspaper and was so happy there was a number for a detective.”
Sharon says she contacted the cop and went to Strandfontein Police Station.
“The detective said the body was in Plattekloof and it was moved to Salt River Mortuary.
“Patricia’s eldest daughter, Vanessa, 17, had to go for DNA tests the next month and we were told it was confirmed that it was her.
“Then we identified the body and I was told by one of the men at the mortuary, John Retief, that they must still do tests and he gave me a number.
“As the time went by and I didn’t hear back I called again, but I keep getting told he is on leave.”
Sharon says they had prepared a burial site for her sister and gathered donations for the funeral, but it was put on hold as they were told they cannot get her sister’s body yet.
“They told me the detective must come, but every time I phone or message him he ignores me,” the crying woman says.
“You know, it’s so heartsore, even if they must still investigate the murder, we understand but we need to put her to rest. She comes to me in my dreams and asks me: ‘Hoe lank nog’.”
No arrests have been made yet.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Andre Traut, says crimes against women and children are a top priority for the Western Cape police and the allegation levelled against the investigating officer is viewed in a serious light.
He urged the family to lodge an official complaint.
“They should also insist on the progress of the investigation.”
The Western Cape Forensic Pathology Services did not respond to questions about the release of Patricia’s body.