Life sentence for woman who killed Monifieth grandmother

CRIME: 22-year-old murdered Sandra Malcolm after breaking into her home

A 22-year-old South African woman jailed for life for murdering a Monifieth grandmother in her Cape Town home was a budding psychopath who “always knew she would kill”.

A psychological report on Sheree Prince, who was dubbed the “Lakeside Butcher” after the horrific murder of 74-year-old Sandra Malcolm, said the killer was a user of crystal methamphetamine and cannabis who experienced “violent ideation” from a young age.

Prince was sentenced to life imprisonment when she appeared at Western Cape High Court yesterday. It means she will spend at least 25 years behind bars before she is eligible for parole. She was also given two threeyear terms for breaking into homes. The court further declared that Prince is not fit to possess a firearm.

Prince was found guilty of murdering Mrs Malcolm in April 2015 after breaking into the expat’s home.

Mrs Malcolm had taken pity on Prince, who had injured her foot and, rather than call the police, gave her tea and toast and treated her wounds.

But when she suggested calling an ambulance Prince snapped and stabbed Mrs Malcolm 24 times in the throat, lungs, heart and other vital organs.

She then beheaded and dismembered Mrs Malcolm before dumping her body parts in a wheelie bin.

In his pre-sentencing report, psychologist Willie Hanekom said the attack could be seen as an effort by Prince to “redefine herself” as someone who could not be exploited or controlled. He added Prince had responded with violence to Mrs Malcolm’s kindness.

Mr Hanekom said Prince had shown no remorse when questioned about the killing. “She said the victim must have experienced much pain during the offence but that she was old and had had her life,” he wrote.

Eric Ntabazalila, spokesman for South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority, said: “We welcome the sentence. It was a very brutal and vicious murder and we are happy that we managed to get a sentence that talks to that.”

The psychological report on Prince also revealed she was a heavy crystal methamphetamine user.

Mrs Malcolm’s body was discovered by her grandson, Scott Malcolm, in her home at Marina Da Gama, Cape Town.

Sheree Prince was said to use crystal methamphetamine and cannabis.