Elderly man murdered

2003-12-15 20:07

Cape Town - The body of an 88-year-old man who had been hit, possibly with an axe, and strangled with a rope, was found on Monday, Western Cape police said.

Superintendent Riaan Pool said Daniel van der Spuy was found dead in Saldanha Street, Strand, by his friend Henry de Villiers, who visited almost on a daily basis.

Van der Spuy was last seen alive on Sunday. An axe was discovered near the body.

In light of the murder Western Cape police have warned those who live alone, especially women and the elderly, to be extra vigilant.

Police indicated that the assailant, or assailants, possibly gained access to the house through and open window.

Pool said those who lived alone should take the following safety precautions into consideration:

keep safety gates locked at all times,

never open safety gates or other doors to strangers,

keep unprotected windows (those without burglar bars) closed,

keep garage doors with direct access to homes closed, and be aware of strangers loitering or approaching when opening garage doors.

Pool urged the public to contact 10111 or their local police station to report suspicious vehicles or persons in their area.

- SAPA