Muriel Kathleen Bates

Muriel Kathleen Bates (1934 - 2007)

Brief overview:

Muriel (72), a freelance journalist for the South African Airforce Association (SAAFA), was found murdered at her home on her smallholding in Alwynspoort, situated between Walkerville and Eikenhof, south of Joburg. on Sunday 26th August 2007. Muriel had been raped and sustained three gaping wounds to her head, neck and stomach.

According to police spokesperson, Capt. William Mcera, there was a spear next to Muriel's body.

Neighbour, Danie Engelbrecht, suspected trouble and went to Muriel's house. He found her body lying in the hallway by her bedroom. Earlier, Muriel's gardner had gone to fetch some old newspapers, and told Danie that she wasn't in as her car was missing.

Muriel's car was recovered near Kimberley on the Monday evening.

Brief Biography:

• Other Victims/Family
  • She is survived by two stepchildren.
• Funeral/Memorial
  • The service for Muriel Bates was conducted by the Rev. Brian Jones at the Rosebank Union Church, Cnr Sandton Drive and William Nichol Road, on Monday 3rd September 2007 at 11h00.
• 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

Additional Biographical Information:

Muriel's friend, Danie's wife, Sarie, said that she and Muriel were very good and friends. "I lost my best friend. It's terrible. She wouldn't harm a fly." She said Murie, who had lived on her smallholding for fourteen years, was a quiet person who rarely went out.

Carol van Rensburg, secretary of the SAAFA, said that crime has sent South Africa "down a tragic path”. She and Muriel would talk to each other every day because she wrote the SAAFA's newsletter. In the past week they had not had much contact because the copper cables of the telephone lines were stolen. Muriel had bought a new mobile phone, which was also stolen by her killers.

• Official cause of death : Unnatural causes

Links to Media articles:

• https://archive.is/aCLoo
• https://www.geni.com/documents/view?doc_id=6000000188586199843
• https://archive.is/XmTjJ