Dr Anjela Chetty, a dentist and businesswoman with South African roots, was found murdered in her Andover, England home, allegedly at the hands of her own son during a family gathering which turned violent.
Her sister, who was also attacked, suffered life-threatening injuries and remains in intensive care.
Emergency services were called to the four-bedroom house at 8.26am on Saturday, March 8, where a man at the door led them upstairs. Paramedics found Dr Chetty dead and her sister critically injured.
It is unclear who the man is.
Her 31-year-old son, who lives in Andover and has links to Birmingham, was arrested on suspicion of murder, attempted murder, and possession of cannabis. He was released under investigation before being re-detained under the Mental Health Act.
Dr Chetty's ex-husband, 61, has also been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. He has been released on bail until June 8 while police are investigating.
Police have not confirmed a motive, but it is understood that Dr Chetty - who lived alone - had been hosting family from South Africa ahead of a planned holiday. It is believed tensions escalated in the household in the early hours of the morning, leading to a violent attack.
A community Facebook group post reported that "tensions were said to be high after the victim divorced ex-lover who lived nearby some years ago, and she had moved on with her life with a new partner".
Dr Chetty’s career spanned both the UK and South Africa. According to a biography on one of her business websites, she graduated as a dentist in South Africa in 1989 before moving to the UK, where she worked in both the NHS and private sector.
She was involved in several businesses, including the Andover Smile Centre, a dental practice in Winchester, and a facial aesthetics clinic offering anti-ageing treatments. The centre has temporarily closed as staff and loved ones process the tragedy.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, she established Auxilium London Limited to provide healthcare solutions.
However, her career was not without controversy. In 2013, she was struck off the General Dental Council (GDC) register after being found guilty of defrauding the NHS of £99 000 (more than R2 million) by misreporting treatment claims according to GDC records and reports from GDP UK website. She repaid the money but denied dishonesty.
The shock of Dr Chetty's murder has rippled through the community as friends, colleagues, and family paid tribute with flowers and candles and messages placed outside her home.
Andy Fitchett, a local political campaigner, wrote on Facebook: "Dr Chetty was a kind-hearted person. Her death will be felt by so many. She treated me and my family for years. This is a tragic situation, and my thoughts and prayers are with her family. May she rest in peace and rise in glory."
In a statement, Dr Chetty's family described her as a loving mother, sister, auntie, and friend.
"She worked hard to support her family. We are shocked and devastated by her loss. There are no words to describe how much she will be missed," the family said.
In a Hampshire And IoW News's Facebook group post, Jasmina Gordhan responded to messages of condolence, saying: "She is my friend, and I have just organised her funeral."
Further investigations are under way, and police continue to guard the property as forensics work to gather evidence.