Local police urge residents to check on their senior citizens
“In that time we did not know Adolf was missing, we only went out when his son could not find his dad."
Families and neighbours of elderly residents living alone in Edenvale were encouraged to maintain frequent contact and regular visits.
This appeal to the community comes after the recent death of 79-year-old Adolf Zwicker.
It comes not from the police or the community policing forum, but from the relatives of the deceased.
According to his nephew, Toni Zwicker, Adolf died on July 13.
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Edenvale and Hillbrow SAPS are investigating his death.
Edenvale SAPS corporate communications officer Warrant Officer Jacob Mashile previously told Bedfordview and Edenvale News the station is investigating a house burglary with intent to commit a crime and malicious damage to property.
He said the Hillbrow SAPS had opened an inquest inquiry to determine the cause of his death.
Since the News’ last article about Adolf’s death, more information, shared by Toni, came to light.
Toni said Adolf was walking home on Homestead Road from Karaglen when he tripped and fell.
“One resident in the area had put out an alert stating that there was an elderly man who had fallen, hurt and probably needed to go to hospital. The CPF arranged for him to go to Edenvale Hospital. A member picked him up and dropped him off,” said Toni.
They admitted Adolf to the hospital on July 7 for treatment.
Toni said one perpetrator who allegedly ransacked Adolf’s house, who is a member of the homeless community, was at the hospital when Adolf arrived.
“The theory is that Adolf left the hospital with this perpetrator because this individual had the house keys.
“Adolf would never have given his keys willingly to a stranger, so someone has done something to him.”
Toni said after Adolf left the hospital, they found him outside of its perimeter in a veld, seriously injured.
However, the family does not know how he got there or what happened.
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He said he was not sure when Adolf was found and returned to Edenvale Hospital.
Although Adolf was taken back to Edenvale Hospital, they transferred him to the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital because of the extent of his injuries.
At Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Adolf was on life support for two days but died from cardiac arrest.
“In all that time, we did not know Adolf was missing. We only went out when his son could not find his dad after he returned from holiday.”
Toni said Adolf’s keys were there when he visited his uncle’s house on July 20. However, the property had been ransacked.
Toni was accompanied by a plain-clothes SAPS officer, uniformed SAPS officers and security personnel.
He said, as Adolf had been an engineer, he kept tools, engines and steel, all of which were taken.
“They also took the bed, cutlery, and other valuables.
Toni said the perpetrators were busy stripping the property’s pipes and taps.
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His vehicle, a white S40 Volvo, was taken from the property and was going to be sold for R60K.
“One of these individuals was even sleeping in the house.”
Toni said the police arrested seven individuals.
On August 8, Mashile confirmed they made several arrests.
Toni said the family restored the home and property while also installing an alarm.
Soon afterwards, they were alerted to trespassers on the property.
Toni said the trespassers uprooted pot plants.
“They are looking for something, we just don’t know what.”
Toni said all those arrested in connection to the damage to his uncle’s property and possibly his death were members of the homeless community.
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A police officer confirmed this to him.
“Through this article, we want to highlight that the elderly are targeted by vagrants and criminal activity.
“Families need to look out more for their elderly parents and family members, make sure their security is upgraded and check in on them regularly.
“The last time Adolf’s son spoke to his father was two months ago, so he feels massive guilt.”
Toni said Adolf’s family is finding it difficult to cope. They feel they should have done more and feel guilty for not checking in on Adolf,” he said.
He appealed to the community and those who know that there are elderly residents living alone in their neighbourhoods to communicate and check in with them as often as possible.
