Cape Town - An elderly man from Strand died a painful death when he was stabbed multiple times and run over by a car.
According to Strand Community Policing Forum (CPF) spokesperson Niklaas Thysen, 60-year-old Petrus Coetzee was attacked by unidentified robbers on Monday morning.
Coetzee’s sister, Johenna van Wyk, said when they arrived at the scene, he had died.
“He had a black backpack on his back. He had nothing that could have been of value,” said Van Wyk.
“He was on his way to Gordon’s Bay to collect tins for recycling, that is what he did every day.
“He was apparently robbed by two or three unknown men. He was trying to get away from them when he was stabbed.
“My brother was a quiet person and a good man. He died in an unimaginable way and we are distraught by this.
“We hope the police will make an arrest soon so we can feel at peace,” Van Wyk said.
The CPF said they were still coming to terms with the Coetzee’s death.
“The victim allegedly ran away from his attackers and was run over by oncoming traffic and died on the scene on Monday.
“We are deeply disturbed by this senseless killing of an innocent vulnerable elderly man, and would like to express our sincere thoughts and prayers of strength to the family in this moment of bereavement.”
Thysen said the perpetrators should face the full might of the law.
“We hope that justice prevails for the Coetzee family.
“As the community we need to stand together in this difficult time, where serious and violent crimes affect all of us where we are,” said Thysen.
“We cannot allow and tolerate this kind of lawlessness from happening in our communities and need to take a firm stand, making our communities a much safer and better place for all.”
Thysen said Coetzee was on his way to get food for his family when he was killed.
Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg said Strand police registered a culpable homicide case for investigation.
“Police members attended the crime scene where they found the victim lying in the middle of the road. The victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel.
“The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation and no arrests have been made yet. According to reports, the victim was hit by a vehicle that sped off from the scene.”
Anyone with any information was requested to contact Crime Stop on 0860010111 or use the MySAPS mobile application to share information anonymously.
Cape Argus