Durban — Police are investigating a murder and robbery after a son came home and found his elderly mother dead in their Phoenix home.
Police spokesperson Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo said at 6.30pm on Friday, Phoenix police were called to Lawnhaven Avenue where a 67-year-old woman was killed.
“On arrival, the police noticed that the deceased’s house was ransacked and there were items that were removed from the house,” Ngcobo said.
“A case of murder and house robbery is under investigation at Phoenix SAPS.”
KZN VIP spokesperson Gareth Naidoo said the murder of the elderly woman rocked Phoenix following the home invasion.
Naidoo said the woman’s lifeless body was discovered by her son after he returned home from work.
“He noticed the house was ransacked and while calling out for the female, he made the most traumatising discovery of the lifeless body in the room,” Naidoo said.
He added that although KZN VIP did not make the declaration of death, the woman was found with material in her mouth and round her neck.
He said KZN VIP security and medical teams were alerted by neighbours to help.
He also said the scene was cordoned off and handed over to SAPS pending investigation.
Naidoo added that family members were assessed by KZN VIP medical members.
“It is also believed that a bravo male suspect was seen leaving the home at approximately 11am this morning (Friday) carrying a TV. The suspect fled in an unknown direction.
“An undisclosed amount of valuables were taken in the robbery,” Naidoo said.
Commenting on Facebook on the incident, a woman said: “Just a concern a person was seen leaving with a TV and wasn’t stopped or questioned. People should start doing this. (The) road I live (on) we look out for each other.
“Condolences to the family.”
Another said the first woman was right, the neighbours and community that she lives in are pathetic.
“Regardless of our differences we should always stick together and watch out for each other. Can’t believe not a single person went to her house and checked on her.”
A third woman said she was wondering what kind of neighbours did not question the guy about what he was doing with the TV and how he got hold of it.
“Eish, some neighbours show no concern too. They just look away.”
Another said it was sad when neighbours become onlookers, knowing that someone has carried a TV out of the house and that person is not questioned.
“Neighbours have become strangers… Indians have lost the unity they once had for another.”
Daily News