Gqeberha mourns the loss of a well-known community member who was brutally stabbed to death in her own home in Richmond Hill in the early hours of Women’s Day.
Marolien Schmidt, a prominent 40-year-old physiotherapist in Walmer, was attacked and stabbed multiple times in her home.
According to provincial police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg, Schmidt’s neighbours reported hearing the sound of glass shattering and screams coming from her residence on Sherlock Street.
Rushing to her aid, Schmidt was found with multiple stab wounds. She succumbed to her injuries while being rushed to hospital.
Van Rensburg added that the perpetrator gained entrance to the property by breaking a side window.
Authorities have since apprehended a 29-year-old suspect in central Gqeberha. Police reports suggest that the motive for the murder is suspected to be robbery.
The suspect is expected to make a first appearance in the Gqeberha Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Major General Vuyisile Ncata stated his intentions to work closely with the NPA to ensure that the suspect is denied bail.
Schmidt was beloved member of the community and well-known for her physiotherapy practice, The Pink Physio, in Walmer. She was also an Iron Man athlete, animal lover, and supporter of the sick and needy.
On Facebook, the Richmond Hill community group posted a tribute for Schmidt before hosting a memorial in her name. Schmidt’s mother bravely attended to show her gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from community members.
“We mourn Marolien’s death, we celebrate her life as a sport woman ( Iron man!) as a dynamic and excellent physiotherapist, an animal lover, supporter of the sick, her sharp sense of humour, her strong friend and family ties, her determination to overcome long Covid (and competed again in the 70, 3 Iron Man!) and last but not least, her dedication to the sport disciplines she participated in,” wrote the Richmond Hill community in tribute.
Our thoughts are with Marolien’s friends and family in this difficult time.
