A shocking incident occurred in Borwa near Tweespruit, where a 23-year-old man allegedly attempted to smother his 59-year-old grandmother with a pillow, not once, but twice. The man, who was arrested and charged with attempted murder, claimed he was acting on instructions from a group known as “Born to Kill” (BTK), which required him to kill a family member to gain rank and recognition.
According to a police statement, the grandmother said she was woken up when someone placed a pillow over her face in an attempt to suffocate her. She fought back and discovered it was her grandson, who allegedly tried a second time to smother her with the pillow. However, she managed to overpower him again, and he was eventually arrested.
Background of the Born to Kill Group
The BTK group, also known as the “Bind, Torture, Kill” serial killer, has been linked to several violent crimes in the past. The group’s origins and motivations are still unclear, but it is believed to be a serial killer who was active in the United States. However, the group’s influence seems to have spread to other parts of the world, including South Africa.
Warning Signs of Violent Behavior
Police have urged parents and guardians to be alert to unusual behavior among young people involved in suspicious groups. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has also encouraged individuals to seek help from authorities or social support institutions if they suspect someone is involved in a violent group. Some warning signs of violent behavior include:
- Unexplained changes in behavior or mood
- Increased aggression or irritability
- Withdrawal from social activities or friends
- Interest in violent or suspicious groups
The accused appeared briefly in the Ladybrand Magistrate’s Court on Friday on a charge of attempted murder. The case was postponed to Tuesday for a formal bail application and Legal Aid arrangements at the Tweespruit Magistrate’s Court.
For more information on the warning signs of violent behavior and how to prevent it, individuals can visit the South African Police Service website.
