PINETOWN SAPS needs assistance in tracing relatives of Erich Dorr, who lived in Angus Road, Moseley Park.
It is alleged that Dorr (69) was murdered on Thursday, 18 June at about 3.30pm when two men broke into his house.
Pinetown SAPS communications officer, Lt Bongumusa Manqele, said two cellphones were stolen by the men before fleeing the scene on foot.
“A swift response by the members of the Durban Dog Unit led to the arrest of one of the men on the same day of the murder. It is alleged that the deceased was living alone in the house,” said Manqele.
A 25-year-old man appeared in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court for murder and house robbery and was remanded into custody for further investigation.
Sharon Jenkins, who runs the Pine Ridge Neighbourhood Watch Care Unit, said Erich was a very lonely man before she met him.
“He lived alone for many years and did not feel the need to have any friends. When his house burnt down last year, the neighbourhood watch members rallied around the community to assist him.”
Jenkins said Dorr was so touched by the love that he was shown and became a different man.
“He laughed a lot, had a lovely sense of humour and always greeted those who passed by his house. The neighbourhood watch became his family, we will surely miss him,” said Jenkins.
Anyone who may assist track Dorr’s relatives can contact Detective Major Myrin Ogle of the Pinetown Cluster Task Team on 082 556 8719.
The man will appear again in court on Friday, 26 June.