Police are investigating it as a murder case. An unknown suspect (or possibly more than one, according to family observations) allegedly gained entry through a bedroom window, ransacked the premises, and assaulted her with an unknown object. Items reportedly taken included a microwave, a brush cutter (work equipment belonging to her brother), and a large amount of cash.
Discovery and family account
Family members living in an outbuilding on the same property became concerned when Khan was not seen on Sunday morning (around 9–10 am). They knocked with no response, then noticed one window wide open and another broken, with one of her pillows outside. Her brother, Ahmed Mukthar (63), and others entered (her son going through the broken window to open the main door). They found her on the bed with severe injuries—her face unrecognisable, appearing as if her head had been struck against a wall. Family members said it was clear she had put up a fight; a masala (chilli powder) container was on the floor, consistent with her earlier statement that she would throw chilli powder if attacked.
Mukthar last spoke with her on the Friday before (25 September), when he told her he was going deep-sea fishing; she wished him safe travels. He usually visited daily for tea and meals. She lived alone at the time because her only daughter (Farzana) and two grandchildren were temporarily in Pietermaritzburg (due to work/exams/school holidays). She was a widow who had lived in the area for about 20–21 years, was described as kind and harmless (often giving bread/meals to people walking past), and would have turned 68 at the end of the month. She was buried at Mountain Rise Cemetery the following Monday; her face had to be covered at the funeral due to the disfigurement.
The family believes the attack happened between Saturday evening and early Sunday. Neighbours/relatives on the property reported hearing no noise or screaming. Mukthar and the family are demanding justice, calling for the perpetrators to receive life sentences, and have appealed for information. They also expressed concern about local security, noting recent violent incidents in the area (this was described as the third recent violent crime) and calling for more visible police patrols; some community members (including Mukthar and his son) already conduct informal patrols.
Official response
Colonel Robert Netshiunda, a KwaZulu-Natal provincial police spokesperson, confirmed that Camperdown SAPS are investigating a murder case. The official report aligns with the entry via window, ransacking, and assault with an unknown object. Magma Security (contacted by the family) has been assisting the investigation.
As of the most recent reports (early October 2026), no arrests have been publicly announced, and the investigation remains ongoing. The family continues to seek answers and justice for what they describe as the brutal killing of a defenceless elderly woman.
This matches the query’s description closely and appears to be a recent local crime story from the Camperdown area near Pietermaritzburg. Reports emphasize the brutality of the assault, the burglary motive, the victim’s character and isolation at the time, and community unease. For the latest developments, check updates from Camperdown/SAPS or local KZN news outlets, as investigations can evolve.
