Tokai man killed
Police are investigating the death of Roger Priestman, 65, who died in hospital after being attacked by two men in his Dennendal East home in Tokai.
According to Kirstenhof police spokeswoman Sergeant Deidre Solomon, Mr Priestman, his wife and their domestic worker were at their residence at 10am on Thursday February 11 when two men entered the premises.
“One of them was armed with a firearm. He threatened Mr Priestman who struggled and was hit with the firearm before the suspects fled the scene with a laptop. Mr Priestman was taken to hospital for treatment but died on Wednesday February 17.”
Mr Priestman was retired and well-known in Tokai Park as he did daily walks with his three dogs and he was also a keen cyclist in the area.
Neighbour Berdine Uys said Dennedal residents had been shocked to learn of his death.
In a statement, the Tokai Residents’ Association (TRA) said: “We extend our deepest sympathies to the family. That our government and law enforcement bodies seem incapable of performing their mandate of ensuring that the rights of ordinary citizens, whatever their status, to pursue their lives in a safe and relatively crime free environment are protected, is a sad reflection on life in South Africa in these uncertain times.
“Indeed, despite repeated promises of action from the ruling party, criminals and other unruly elements seemingly aiming at destroying the very fabric of society, are resorting to more brazen and violent illegal activities.
“This situation cannot be tolerated, and we appeal to all law-abiding people to stand together, to support each other and to increase their own efforts to ensure that our communities once again become places where ordinary people can live ordinary lives.
“In this incident, we understand that the perpetrators gained access to the house in broad daylight from the Tokai greenbelt. The City of Cape Town is responsible for the clearing and maintenance of the greenbelt, and we will shortly be discussing the matter with councillor Penny East and the Tokai Neighbourhood Crime Watch.”
Ms East said residents had raised concerns about the greenbelt, but in this case the perpetrators had not gained access to the Priestman home from there.
“The City and I have arranged a site inspection at which appropriate actions will be decided,” said Ms East.
Mr Priestman leaves behind his wife, Sue-Ann, and their 13-year-old daughter Jodi. He also has a son, Dean Priestman, 33, from his first marriage, who lives in Glencairn.
Sergeant Solomon said a case of house robbery is being investigated and no arrests had been made. Detective Elroy Pietersen is investigating and can be contacted at 021 702 8900.