Emily Dorothy Smith

Emily Smith (1953 - 2006)

Brief overview:

Emily (53), who lived at Tornaka Court apartments, in Outspan Road, South Hills Johannesburg, was found murdered by her neighbour on 7th June 2006. A piece of sponge from the couch she was found lying on, as well as the end of a towel was pushed into her mouth, and a pillow over her head. It is believed that Emily may have also been raped.

"It was terrible. I wanted to come this morning (yesterday morning) to see if she wanted to come and swim with us, when I saw her lying on the couch with the pillow over her head. When I took the pillow off, I saw there was a sponge and a towel tip in her mouth. I just screamed and ran out," said Ronel du Preez.

According to Du Preez, they heard "strange noises" at around 22:00 the night before yesterday. "But I thought it was just someone walking by. But when I found her this morning, I knew it was the burglars."

Brief Biography:

• Other Victims/Family
• Funeral/Memorial
• The Street/Suburb
• The Region (Land disputes, other incidents etc.)

Attack Details:

• Date and time of attack
• Weapons
• Items Stolen
  • Police spokesperson, Capt. Cheryl Engelbrecht said Smith may have been strangled. "Some of her groceries and also her two-plate stove were stolen."
• Investigative officer/SAPS Case No:
• Torture, Gratuitous violence
• Indications of Hate Crime? Threats etc.

Perpetrator details:

• Number and Descriptions
• Arrests
• Name/s and age/s of Perpetrator/s
• Country of origin of Perpetrator/s
• Trial/Conviction

Additional Biographical Information:

Ellen Makhuba, who also lives in the block of flats, said Emily was a "lovely woman who no one would don't hurt". "She lived here for more than 14 years and I knew her well. She was very alone after her husband died. I just can't imagine why anyone would want to kill her."

• Official cause of death : Unnatural (Case Ref: 1143/06)

Links to Media articles:

• https://www.geni.com/documents/view?doc_id=6000000188845947830