Maria Catherina Paulina Venter

Maria Catherina Paulina Venter (1964 - 2018)

Brief overview:

Maria (72), was heavily assaulted, beaten to the head head and face at her home in Reitz, on 22nd June 2018. Her son-in-law made the gruesome discovery after going to her house to check on her.

The suspect had gained entry through the window.

Detectives were called to the scene to collect all evidence, including DNA samples which were sent to the laboratory for analysis.

On 14th February 2019 the results came back positively pointing to the suspect. He had previously been arrested in 2017 for a robbery case which was later withdrawn.

“The arrest will not bring the deceased back, but we take solace in that, justice will finally be served. Communities must always have faith in the long arm of the law.” said Bethlehem Cluster Commander, Major General Jan Tsotetsi on learning about the arrest.

Brief Biography:

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

Attack Details:

• Date and time of attack
• Weapons
• Items 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
  • Patala Piet Tsotetsi (30) of Petsana, Reitz, appeared in the local Magistrates Court on 15th February 2019 for Maria's murder.

Additional Biographical Information:

Links to Media articles:

• https://archive.fo/IaCed
• https://archive.is/D6VoF