Police are investigating the murder of 35-year-old Hayley Smith, found in her home this week. Smith’s body was discovered at her home on Lilian Street around 6.25pm on Thursday, February 11 after police were alerted to the incident. Upon inspection, police found fatal injuries inflicted to her upper body. It is alleged that her infant four-month-old baby was found next to her lifeless body.
A 37-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the murder and will appear in the Wellington Magistrates Court on Monday.
“The motive of this incident are under investigation,” said Police SpokespersonCaptain FC Van Wyk.
Posts on social media identified Smith as a manager at Shoprite Klapmuts. According to a Facebook thread, she was on maternity leave and had a baby four months ago.
ANOTHER WOMAN, YOUNG MOTHER MURDERED BY HUSBAND in Wellington, LAST NIGHT!!!!! BABY ONLY 4MONTHS OLD!!!!
#GBV…Posted by Chalmanehornekruger#SpeakupRise&Hope on Friday, 12 February 2021
Other posts on social media spoke of her kindness, generosity and contagious smile. Chalmane Kruger, an activist and GBV survivor, recalled how Hayley cared for those in her community.
“She made a personal monetary donation for bread rolls to our Klapmuts Colors Drama kids on Friday afternoon 27 Sept 2019 to be able to attend the break-in in Stellenbosch at the Bosch Heritage Project Talent Festival competition,” she said.
Other’s commenting on a post in a Paarl community group commented on here friendly smile.
“Always had a smile on her face when you enter the shop,” said one.
Picture: Chalmanehornekruger#SpeakupRise&Hope/ Facebook