The South African Police Service (SAPS) is investigating the death of Roger Priestman (65) who died from injuries sustained during an armed robbery at his residence in Dennendal East, Tokai.
Priestman died in hospital on February 17, nearly a week after the attack. Police initially told Cape Town ETC that they were investigating a case of house robbery and were awaiting the deceased’s autopsy results.
This investigation has since been elevated to murder, according to the Constantiaberg Bulletin. Kirstenhof police spokesperson, Sergeant Deidre Solomon recounted the events that unfolded at 10am on February 11. when Priestman, his wife, Sue-Ann and their helper were caught off-guard when two men entered the premises.
“One of them was armed with a firearm,” said Solomon. “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.”
The suspects allegedly gained access to the house via the Tokai greenbelt, according to the Tokai Residents’ Association, Ward Councillor Penny East, however, said this was not the case but noted that Tokai residents have raised concerns about the greenbelt.
Parkscape Chair Nicky Schmidt said that the fence along the M3 is cut often and when this happens there is a marked increase in crime in the area.
No arrests have been made thus far, according to police. Detective Elroy Pietersen, who is leading the investigation, can be reached at 021 702 8900.
Priestman was an active member of the community safety group, Parkscape and well-known in the community.
He is survived by his wife Sue-Ann, daughter, Jodi (13) and son, Dean (33).
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Parkscape member dies in hospital after brutal Tokai robbery
Picture: Facebook/Roger Priestman