The grieving son of an elderly couple found strangled to death in their home says the killer is known to the family.
Rugaya and Riedewaan Addinall, both 82 years old, lived in Sandown Road, Ottery, for the past three years.
Son Anwar found the couple’s home ransacked on Sunday at 4pm, with appliances and other items of value loaded into his parents’ black Mercedes-Benz.
The perpetrator had apparently left the car and loot behind as the car’s battery was dead.
Anwar, who is one of four children, became worried when his elderly parents didn’t answer his calls.
“My cousin went around and knocked on their door, but received no response from them. He came to me and we both went there with a locksmith to get the door open,” he explains.
“I found my parents dead in their home. It looked like they had been strangled with something. This has been a very traumatic time for our family,” he says.
Anwar says there was no sign of forced entry, but says the neighbours have security footage of the incident.
“I have not seen any footage, but the neighbours have identified this man we know, but I did not see it myself. We will rely on the police to find out who did this to my parents,” he said.
SCENE: Cops outside the Ottery house where the couple were killed
A neighbour who viewed the footage told the Daily Voice two men could be seen entering the property, one of whom was identifiable.
“They then start loading Boeta Riedewaan’s car with stuff from their house on the video and tried to start the car. The car would not start and they left, leaving all the stuff right there. This guy is known in the community and it was shocking watching him do this,” she says.
She adds: “They were a very sweet couple, who gave generously to anyone who needed help and were always there to offer advice.”
The janaazah for the couple was held after Maghrib prayers on Thursday evening.
Police spokesman, Captain FC van Wyk, confirmed the incident.
“The circumstances surrounding an incident where the bodies of an elderly couple, aged 82, were found in their house in Sandown Road, Ottery, on Sunday at 4.58pm are under investigation by Lansdowne police,” he says.
“A case of murder was registered for investigation. A post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death. Anyone with any information about this incident is kindly requested to contact Lansdowne SAPS or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.”