A George man and his cousin were arrested last week in connection with the murder of Joan Singrew, who had been reported missing earlier in November. Singrew, 54, was last seen on November 21, and her disappearance prompted an extensive search by local authorities and community members. Tragically, her body was found on November 25 near Groot Brakrivier, confirming the worst fears of her family.
Police investigations into Singrew’s disappearance led to the arrest of her husband, Duane, and his cousin on November 29. The two men are expected to appear in the George Magistrate’s Court today, facing charges in connection with her death. A post-mortem has been conducted, and the findings are being incorporated into the ongoing investigation, though the cause of death has not yet been publicly revealed.
Family members have since revealed painful details about Singrew’s life. A social media post from her granddaughter indicated that Singrew had planned to divorce her husband before her death. The post condemned Duane for allegedly abusing Singrew over the years and expressed relief that she was now free from her suffering. “She didn’t deserve this,” the granddaughter wrote, emphasizing the role the planned divorce played in the tragic events.
The community of George has been left in shock following the news. Patrick Blaauw, chairperson of the Garden Route Community Policing Forum, expressed the disbelief felt by many, particularly in light of the ongoing issue of gender-based violence. The local neighbourhood watches and sub-forums had rallied together to search for Singrew after her disappearance, reflecting the deep concern and involvement of the community in the case.
As the investigation continues, the focus now turns to justice for Singrew, with many hoping her tragic death will highlight the ongoing struggles of victims of gender-based violence. The case has left a lasting impact on the George community, which is mourning the loss of a woman whose final days were marked by plans to escape the abuse she had endured for years.
