Bellville beheading | Woman in court for sister's gruesome murder

Murder accused Aletta Rose, 63, made her second appearance at the Bellville Magistrate’s court on Monday morning after allegedly beheading her 79-year-old sister, Constance Scholtz.

Rose was arrested on March 19, 2026, when police discovered the decapitated body of “Aunty Connie” inside her home on David Street, Bellville South. The gruesome nature of the crime has shocked the local community, as Rose allegedly not only decapitated her sister but also severed her hands.

This incident is not Rose's first encounter with the law; she has a previous murder conviction. In 1996, she was charged for the fatal stabbing of her brother-in-law during an argument with her husband. Rose was convicted and sentenced to six years in prison, though she ultimately served only three years due to a suspended sentence.

During her recent court appearance, Rose calmly stared at the cameras positioned around the courtroom, displaying little emotional response. When asked by the magistrate if she wished to undergo a psychiatric evaluation, she declined the offer, communicating her decision through her legal aid lawyer.

The case has been postponed until May 5 for additional investigations, as crucial evidence, including witness statements, crime scene photos, and a post-mortem report, is still pending. Rose will remain in custody during this time.

In her first court appearance on March 23, she expressed a wish to remain in custody instead of applying for bail. Citing financial constraints and homelessness, Rose revealed a precarious situation, stating, “I don’t have money to apply for bail, a fixed address, and I am homeless without a job.”

The courtroom was attended by Aunty Connie’s son, who chose not to comment on the tragic circumstances surrounding his mother's murder. A funeral for Aunty Connie has been scheduled for Saturday.

Speculation surrounding the case has been rife, with some reports suggesting that Rose stored her sister's body parts in Tupperware. However, the National Prosecuting Authority has refuted these claims, affirming that “no body parts have been stored or found in Tupperware as has been reported.”

The community has been left reeling, grappling with the horrifying reality of the violence that transpired in their midst. Neighbours had grown concerned about Aunty Connie’s well-being when they noticed her usually immaculate curtains in disarray. When they inquired about her, Rose assured them that her sister was away.

Another concerned neighbour, who is related to Scholtz, alerted her son, who initially left after being told that his mother was out of town. However, upon discovering a blood stain on Rose’s clothing, he returned to his mother’s flat. Tragically, he found the horrifying reality of his mother’s dismembered body parts upon entering.

IOL