In recent years, attacks on Edenvale’s elderly residents appear to be occurring more frequently.
In just over a year, two elderly men were murdered in their homes in a similar manner the most recent incident being the murder of a 65-year-old resident in the Avenues.
He was found by his employees on the morning of November 5.
Edenvale SAPS spokesperson Capt Jean Olckers said the man was strangled to death and few valuables were taken.
Also read: Elderly woman’s murder leaves community in shock
“The identity of the victim is known to the police but not all of the family members have been notified of his death as many reside overseas,” said Olckers.
“It is uncertain when the 65-year-old was murdered but we believe it occurred between November 2 and 5.”
Olckers said the victim was an SA citizen but originally from East Asia.
He said the 65-year-old’s murder occurred in a similar fashion to that of 77-year-old Terrence Sole. Sole’s body was found last September in his home.
Berito Payito has since been found guilty and sentenced for his murder.
Olckers said like the November murder, very few items were taken from Sole’s home.
He said attacks on elderly residents are a concern for police and will be investigated.
“I believe attacks on Edenvale’s elderly have definitely increased in recent years,” said vice chairperson of the Edenvale Senior Citizens Association (ESCA) Linda Ranwell.
“This could be linked to the tough economic times and people being desperate for money.”
Also read: Murder of elderly man – firearm sent for forensic testing
Ranwell said although there has been an increase in crimes involving the elderly, she believes these crimes are not unique to Edenvale.
She said elderly community members are attacked across SA.
“I think the elderly are targeted because they are soft targets and that people know they are less likely to fight back,” said Ranwell.
“I wouldn’t say Edenvale’s elderly live in fear but you do hear some of them talking about the safety concerns,” said former ESCA chairperson Janet Jewell.
“In recent months I have noticed more of our members driving together in cars. I don’t know if this is to save petrol or to be safer.”
ESCA member Trish Cockerell, who walks through Edenvale every day, said she feels safe in Edenvale.
Also read: Body of man (77) found inside his Edenvale home
“I have seen some suspicious activities occur in Edenvale, but I have never felt threatened,” said Cockerell.
“I think it has to do with a lot about how you carry yourself. Each day I walk a different route so I know a lot of people in the community.”
Ranwell said through the association, members can establish communication networks and keep in touch.
She encouraged residents to get involved.
Olckers said following the recent attacks on the elderly, members of the community and the police want to work closely with the community to find solutions.
“At the moment officers will conduct more patrols within crime hotspots in the precinct.”
Also read: Elderly Edenvale man (84) murdered during home invasion
“We ask all community role-players take the safety of seniors more seriously.”
Olckers urged community members to visit their elderly relatives as often as possible and teach them about home security.
He said crimes can be reported to 10111 or through various sector numbers 071 675 6841/2/3/4.
Contact 011 453 7608 for more information about ESCA.
Safety tips for Senior citizens
- Never open your door for strangers, rather install and use a peephole.
- Always make sure that your doors and windows are locked and ensure that your garage is not left unlocked.
- Try to vary your daily routine.
- Make use of a neighbourhood watch system to keep an eye on your neighbourhood. A concerned neighbour is often the best protection against crime.
- Avoid leaving notes on your door when leaving your house.
- Leave lights on when going out at night or use a timer to turn lights on and off when you are away for an extended period.
- Notify neighbours and your security provider when going away on a trip.
- Be wary of unsolicited offers to make repairs to your home. Deal only with reputable businesses.
- Do not hesitate to report crime or suspicious activities to the SAPS or your security provider.
- Ask for proper identification from delivery persons or strangers. Do not be afraid of asking, if they are legitimate they will not mind.
- Never let a stranger into your home.
- Never give out information over the phone indicating you are alone or that you will not be home at a certain time.
- If you arrive at home and suspect a stranger may be inside, do not go in. Rather leave quietly and call the SAPS or your security provider to investigate.
Safety when taking a walk:
- If you are attacked on the street, make as much noise as possible by calling for help or blowing a whistle. Do not pursue your attacker. Call the SAPS or your security provider to report the crime as soon as possible.
- Avoid walking alone at night. Try to have a friend accompany you in high-risk areas, even during the daytime.
- Avoid carrying weapons, they may be used against you.
- Always plan your route and stay alert to your surroundings.
- Have your key ready when approaching your front door.
- Do not carry large, bulky shoulder bags, carry only what you need.
While out shopping:
- Always carry your purse very close to you.
- Never leave your purse in a shopping cart and never leave your purse unattended.
- Do not carry more money than is necessary.
- Avoid displaying large sums of money.
Safety in your car:
- Always keep your car doors locked, whether you are in or out of your car and try to keep your petrol tank full and your car’s engine maintained to avoid breakdowns.
- If your car breaks down, pull over, open the bonnet and wait inside your car for help. Avoid getting out of the car and making yourself a target before the police arrive.
- At stop signs and traffic lights, keep the car in gear.
- Travel in well-lit and busy streets and plan your route.
- Do not leave your purse on the seat beside you, rather put it in the boot.
- Never leave valuables or packages in your car. If interesting packages are out of sight, a thief will be less tempted to break in and steal them.
- Never pick up hitchhikers.
When banking or dealing with money:
- Never withdraw money from your bank account for anyone except yourself. Be wary of con artists and get-rich-quick schemes that sound too good to be true.
- When someone approaches you with a get-rich-quick-scheme involving some or all of your savings, it is their get-rich-quick-scheme. If it is a legitimate investment, the opportunity to contribute your funds will still be there tomorrow – after you have had time to consider it.
- Always remember that you can visit the police station to ask for advice if you think you are being conned.
- If you have been swindled or conned, report the crime to the SAPS. Con-artists count on their victim’s reluctance to admit they have been duped, but if you delay, you help them get away.
- Always be alert when withdrawing money from an ATM.
- Never accept assistance from anyone at an ATM.
- Banks will never ask you to verify your banking details over the phone, nor will they send you e-mails to confirm your details.
- If you are asked to verify your details, rather visit your bank and do so in person.
