Garden worker nabbed for 'strangling employer with extension cord'

07 January 2022 - 09:11
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
A 35-year-old Pietermaritzburg garden worker has been arrested in connection with the murder of his employer. Stock photo.
A 35-year-old Pietermaritzburg garden worker has been arrested in connection with the murder of his employer. Stock photo.
Image: 123RF/BELCHONOK

A Pietermaritzburg garden worker has been arrested after allegedly strangling his elderly employer with an extension cord and stealing her possessions.

The body of 62-year-old Sharon-Lee Deetlets was found last Thursday in the bedroom of her Prestbury home with bruises and strangulation marks on her neck.

Police spokesperson Col Thembeka Mbele said Deetlets’ home was ransacked and speakers, two cellphones and a DVD player were missing.

“A case of robbery and murder was opened for investigation by Prestbury police.

“On Monday January 3, Prestbury police officers received information about the suspect and proceeded to the Hilton area.

“On their arrival police officers found Douglas Mataula, 35, who was employed by the deceased as her gardener, in possession of the missing belongings and he was immediately arrested.”

Mataula appeared in the Pietermaritzburg magistrate’s court on Wednesday.

He is expected to apply for bail on January 12.

TimesLIVE


subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.