East London - An 85-year-old woman was hacked to death with an axe at Candu village in Dutywa, Eastern Cape, police said on Friday.
It is alleged that a man who was wearing a balaclava attacked Silvia Thandiwe Dyasi in her home on Thursday night, said Captain Jackson Manatha.
"The suspect who was armed with an axe allegedly hacked the old woman. She died instantly," said Manatha.
The attack happened at about 20:50 in front of the woman's relative, said Manatha.
"The suspect ran away after murdering the deceased," he said.
Dutywa police are investigating a case of murder.
Butterworth cluster commander Brigadier Trevor Mey condemned the murder of "an old defenceless woman".
Manatha urged anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspect to contact investigating officer Detective Sergeant Patrick Mthwa on 078 594 7850 or Dutywa police on 047 489 1333.
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