(Archive photo)
A 62-year-old man was murdered in his home on a smallholding near Kameeldrift-Oos on Thursday afternoon when attackers presumably entered his home and overpowered him.
According to Capt. Johan van Dyk, police spokesperson, said the police were called at 16:00 after the victim’s neighbor, who lives on the same property, came across his body.
“The neighbor returned from work and noticed that the door of the house was open. He found the victim in a pool of blood on the floor.”
The victim, who has not yet been identified, suffered a wound to his abdomen, several bruises around his eyes and there were scratches on his hands, says Van Dyk. The man was pronounced dead at the scene.
It is understood that the victim’s mobile phone, a handgun and a side cutter were looted during the incident. The victim was last seen alive at 05:30 on Thursday.
According to an incident report compiled by the community policing forum, the incident is believed to have happened between 06:00 and 08:00 and the wound the victim had in his abdomen is believed to have been the result of a gunshot wound.
“The suspects apparently gained access by breaking burglar bars in front of a window. Around 02:00 the same morning, items were stolen from a car on an adjacent property. The fences were cut and it is still unclear whether these incidents are related,” the report states.
Meanwhile, crime scene management experts from the police combed the scene to collect evidence that could contribute to the investigation. No one has been arrested yet.
The police appeal to people to come forward with any information that can help with the investigation. Information can be reported to Lt. Col. F. Radue, commander of the unit for murder and robbery in the provincial head office, on 082 774 9973.