Woman's throat slit in nature reserve

Stephanie Saville and Bongani Hans, The Witness
Pietermaritzburg - A woman was killed and her policeman husband stabbed at their home at Msinsi Game Reserve, Albert Falls Dam, in the early hours of Saturday.

Erica Croeser, 32, had her throat slit with a knife that was also used to stab her 34-year-old husband, Constable Morné Croeser of the SAPS dog unit, in the stomach.

When paramedics arrived they found the knife still lodged in his stomach.

The scene was described as “very, very gory”.

Police believe the murder was related to a labour dispute.

Erica had been working at Albert Falls as a tourism assistant for 10 years.

It is believed that the couple had just arrived home when they were attacked.

A source said that while Morné parked the car, Erica went to open the front door of their house. Two intruders, who were waiting behind the door, pounced on her.

The couple’s two young daughters, aged 6 and 10, were staying with their grandmother.

Gunshot

Distraught neighbour Hlekisile Nkala told The Witness that she heard a gunshot just after 02:00, and about 10 minutes later she heard a male voice screaming for help. She quickly woke her husband and called the police.

An employee at the reserve said the incident shocked the more than 300 participants staying there for the annual bass fishing tournament, which started on Friday.

“The customers have also expressed shock and fear over the gruesome murder. They keep asking if the murder really happened and if it was that gruesome,” said an employee.

“Since the incident we have increased the number of security guards from two to four. We are also looking at more ways of increasing the security,” said Msinsi Holdings marketing manager Ray Naguran.

Knife still in abdomen

Police spokesperson Joey Jeevan said Morné Croeser was in a serious but stable condition in hospital on Sunday.

She said when paramedics arrived at the scene with police, the knife used to stab him was still lodged in his abdomen.

“Paramedics removed the knife and put up a drip and treated him before he was taken to hospital.”

Jeevan said no arrests had been made, adding that it seemed nothing had been stolen.

“At this stage police believe that this is linked to a labour dispute. She was a supervisor, and responsible for hiring and firing.

Croeser’s mother Francoisana Schafer said the family are coping with “the sad story”, but declined to comment further.



- The Witness