Man beaten to death with Santa statue

A South African couple have been charged with murder after a man was beaten to death with a Santa statue.

Published: 5:26PM GMT 21 Dec 2009

Michael Grootboom, 48, died of serious head injuries after collapsing outside the suspects' home in the Eastern Cape town of Uitenhage.

Detectives believe he visited the property to speak to his estranged wife Vuyelwa Motso and her new partner Williams Witbooi, both 45, when an argument broke out.

Superintendent Priscilla Naidu said: "We do not know what was said but clearly there was a violent argument.

"The couple's home was decorated ready for Christmas and we believe the victim was attacked and repeatedly beaten with a Santa statue.

"It's very unusual for someone to be assaulted with a Santa Claus statue. We think he was trying to get his wife to return home."

Motso and Witbooi were both arrested at the scene of the killing and were due to face magistrates.

Officers have searched their home in the KwaNobuhle suburb for forensic evidence. The Santa statue has been taken as an exhibit.

From: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/southafrica/6858433/Man-beaten-to-death-with-Santa-statue.html