The family of a Tayside grandmother who was murdered in South Africa are being helped by British Government officials.
As revealed in Tuesday’s Courier, Sandra Malcolm was discovered by her grandson on Sunday after being killed in her Cape Town home.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) confirmed that it has been made aware of the murder and is providing assistance.
Details are still emerging of how the 74-year-old, who was planning to visit Dundee in May, came to be found in her flat at Capri Mews complex, Marina Da Gama.
South African news networks reported that her body had been mutilated by her attackers, although police would not confirm this.
Mrs Malcolm’s body was found by her grandson on Sunday morning, prompting a large emergency operation.
Police said that a post-mortem will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.
Cape Town paper the Daily Voice quoted neighbours who said Mrs Malcolm was last seen on Saturday afternoon.
They said that they did not hear any gunshots or sounds of struggle during the night or on Sunday morning.
It is believed her grandson climbed through a bathroom window to investigate after she failed to answer her door.
Forensics experts and detectives on Sunday combed the scene for hours, with traumatised neighbours and relatives standing around.
A neighbour, who asked not to be identified, told the Daily Voice he was horrified by the murder.
“This is a quiet community; this is shocking. I still cannot believe it,” he said
Having lived in South Africa for 35 years, Mrs Malcolm is survived by two daughters, three grandchildren and two great- grandchildren.
A spokesman for the FCO said: “We can confirm the death of a British national in South Africa. We are providing consular assistance to the family at this sad time.”