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| kan dit 'n mens wees? [boodskap #113349] |
Sa, 03 Maart 2007 17:36 |
Daun Johnson
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RICHMOND resident Bob Downs lived through a hundred years only to be
stabbed to death in his bed by a gang of burglars.
Yesterday morning the small midlands town was still reeling over the
senseless murder of Herbert James "Bob" Downs, a 100-year-old builder
and woodworker who was killed on Thursday night.
His domestic worker stumbled on his cold body in his bed when she
reported for duty yesterday at 8 am at 109 Russell Street, where Downs
lived for 72 years. Initial police investigations established that
Downs died after he was stabbed with a sharp object in the chest.
Police spokesman Superintendent Joshua Gwala said that when the
domestic worker arrived at work she noticed that the kitchen door was
open.
"She thereafter discovered the body of Mr Downs on his bed; he had
been fatally wounded. Upon further investigation, it was established
that the suspects forced open the dining room window and gained entry
into the house. It is also believed that Mr Downs was confronted by
the suspects whilst he was asleep, since he was living alone in the
house. It is believed that the house was ransacked and household
appliances were stolen," said Gwala, adding that the motive for the
incident is believed to be robbery. A television set was taken, and
police believe some other items were stolen too.
Investigating officer Detective Inspector Bonisiwe Maphumulo told
Weekend Witness yesterday that the area in which Downs lived is
notorious for break-ins and theft. However, she could not say whether
Downs' murder was linked to any of these previous incidents.
Downs's grandson, Robert Downs, who with his father Wallace lives in a
neighbouring house, said the family has been shattered by the murder.
Robert said his grandfather was an old man who would not have fought
back, and so to kill him was "utterly senseless".
"We're very devastated, he would have turned 101 in September and was
still going strong. My grandfather was an institution not only to the
family but to all Richmond people. He was born here, grew up here and
his roots have always been in Richmond, so for him to die like this
was very sad," said Robert.
Downs, who at 100 years still owned his own business, lost his wife
about seven years ago. Robert said his grandfather was a very strong
old man who only quit driving a few years back.
"He had a wicked sense of humour and used to tell us that he lived in
Richmond when there were no cars in this town. We found this very
funny. He was much loved by all. He was also very knowledgeable, he
loved reading and was very concerned about things happening around
him."
Early last year, Downs was among several centenarians who were
featured in The Witness and who were still leading very active lives.
He said then that he still worked in his workshop where he made wagon
wheels.
"When you get to 90, you've got to slow it down a bit," he said.
Commenting on an old steam engine that he was restoring, he said: "It
will work again if it wants to, but that job will have to be left to a
younger man".
The engine was used by his father, a builder, to power a brick-making
machine, and it was given to him, in turn, by his father, William
Parker Downs.
The Downs family, traditionally brickmakers and builders, arrived in
Durban on October 13, 1849, on board the ship Gem, after being
shipwrecked in the Cape, and it is believed that the steam engine must
have been salvaged from the ship.
Police said no arrests have been made yet. An appeal has been made for
any information that might lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.
If you have any information please contact Captain Margaret Venter or
Detective Inspector Maphumulo of the Richmond Detective Services on
033 212 9458, or if you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stop
toll-free on 08600 10111.
Published: 3 March 2007
********
Vanmôre is 'n 25 jarige +#$-%#=- op Richmond in hegtenis geneem,
en hy het nog die omie se skoene aangehad.
Lees daarvan by
http://www.witness.co.za/default.asp?myAction=detail&myR ef=50827&myCat=news
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