A teenager has been arrested for the murder of an 80-year-old woman in Willowvale in the Eastern Cape on Tuesday.

"It is alleged that the deceased was stabbed on her upper body on Tuesday at about 15:40 at Sunduza Locality, Upper Mbhangcolo Village, Willowvale, police spokesperson Captain Jackson Manatha said in a statement.

A community member allegedly saw the stabbing and raised the alarm. Community members came out in numbers, and apprehended the 19-year-old.

"The suspect ran for his dear life, was chased and caught and police were informed," Manatha said. 

Police arrived and arrested the man, who has since been charged with murder.

"The motive behind the murder is not clear at this point in time.

"The deceased was identified as Nomaka Mhlaba. The suspect will appear before the Willowvale Magistrate's Court on Thursday on a charge of murder," Manatha said. 

Butterworth cluster commander Brigadier Ngangema Xakavu condemned the "brutal murder of an old, defenceless woman".

He applauded the community members for assisting the police.

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