Jacques Wernich was raised by his single mother Patricia, a strong, fit and independent woman who loved her grandchildren.

She was retrenched two years ago from her job as a paralegal in Gauteng and decided it was time to fulfill her dream of living on the coast.

Jacques (35) made his mother’s dream come true by renting her a flat in Burns Road in Shelly Beach, a stone’s throw away from busy Marine Drive.

But when her family couldn’t reach her on her cellphone last week, alarm bells rang, and they asked her friends to check-up on her.

Patricia Wernich.

Patricia (65) was found dead in her flat on the afternoon of Wednesday, January 3. She died from multiple stab wounds to her body.

Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said a report indicates that she had stab wounds on her neck. Police are investigating a case of murder.

It’s believed her cellphone and bank cards were taken from her flat.

A massive man-hunt to find her killer(s) unfolded, led by Lieutenant-Colonel Jacobus Barnard (commander of Port Shepstone Tactical Response Team), members of the Shelly Beach Community Police Forum (CPF),Wolf and Maser security companies and Saps.

Burns Road in Shelly Beach is where the murder of Patricia Wernich occurred. On Monday morning while taking photographs of the road, vagrants were spotted loitering around the area.

After hours and hours of investigative work, two men were arrested.

However, they where released by the court on Monday this week due to lack of evidence.

The family have since appointed Advocate Gerrie Nel to investigate the release of the suspects.

The tragic murder of Patricia has sent shockwaves through the seaside suburb of Shelly Beach.

A devastated Jacques described his mother as a friendly person who loved to walk along the coastline, feed the feral cats and help people.

“She worked at a nearby guest house, as she did not own a car, she walked everywhere.”

“She was a defenceless woman who is the victim of a horrendous act,” he said.

Patricia Wernich.

Anyone who might have any information or seen anything regarding the murder is asked to contact 082 8268965.

Chris Swart, vice-chairperson of Shelly Beach CPF for the past nine years, said they are warning residents to be extra vigilant, not only in Shelly Beach but everywhere.