Claremont murders ‘spark fear’
A 41-year-old man shot dead his wife and eight-year-old daugter at their home in Langa, Cape Town, before killing himself. Photo: Independent Newspapers A 41-year-old man shot dead his wife and eight-year-old daugter at their home in Langa, Cape Town, before killing himself. Photo: Independent Newspapers
The murder of two Claremont residents two weeks apart is causing fear in the suburb, say police.
Police spokesperson Captain Angie Latchman said police received a report of a murder at a block of flats in Protea Road, Claremont, at 8.30am on Monday.
Latchman said that at about 8.20am the caretaker was sweeping the ground floor when he saw a shoe sticking out of the electricity room. He found the body of Lenore Lambert, 52. The cause of death was believed to be strangulation but a post-mortem would determine the exact cause of death, she said.
Latchman said Lambert was last seen on Sunday at about 1pm when a colleague dropped her off.
It is alleged the motive was robbery as Lambert’s jewellery and a cellphone were missing.
On February 2, Cecily Clark, 67, was confronted and attacked by a man at her First Avenue home. Latchman said during an altercation the suspect grabbed Clark by the throat and began strangling her. She fell to the ground unconscious.
“Her husband arrived home soon after and a further altercation took place. He allegedly fell to the ground and pretended to be unconscious.The suspect then proceeded upstairs where he began ransacking the rooms. Mr Clark used this opportunity to activate the panic alarm which alerted ADT Security.”
The suspect was found and apprehended. He had a black bag filled with stolen items. Police believe entry was gained via an open window.
Cecily Clark was certified dead at the scene. A post-mortem will be held to determine the exact cause of death.
Mr Clark was treated at the scene. His condition was stable.
Nelson Gobodwana, 25, faces charges of murder. He will appear at Wynberg Magistrates Court in June.
chad.cupido@inl.co.za - Cape Times