A WESTVILLE family can’t accept that the murder investigation of their husband and father, Gordon Donaldson, has been closed.
Debbie, Gordon’s wife, said she was informed by a detective three months ago, when he visited her at work that Gordon’s case had been closed as the leads have gone dead.
“The detective said they had a lead but due to insufficient evidence they had to close the case. He also said if they came across anyone that matches fingerprints or the blood sample, then naturally they would follow up and reopen the murder case,” said Debbie.
ALSO READ: Westville murder cases remain unsolved
However Debbie refused to accept this. She said the police had arrested one suspect who gave a written statement about what happened that day.
“The suspect admitted to being at the home invasion and even stealing Gordon’s cellphone. He even named the shooter but the police made no arrests since. How are we as a family supposed to find closure and accept that my husband’s killers are still out there?” said an emotional Debbie.
Gordon’s case
Gordon was stabbed twice and shot in his stomach during a home invasion in Gardenia Place on 26 January 2016. Debbie said that she heard dogs barking around 2am that day and Gordon went to check. The robbers thew a brick through the bedroom window and Gordon tried to fight them off while screaming for Debbie to press the panic button. Debbie went to the spare bedroom and opened the window to shout for help. She then heard a gunshot and found her husband lying on the floor bleeding. The robbers escaped with a cellphone and fled through the New Germany Nature Reserve.
ALSO READ: Knife-wielding man arrested following attempted mugging
Gordon is survived by his wife, a daughter and a son. She described him as a devoted father and grandad.
“Gordon was well known in the transport sector. He was a down-to-earth person who would not harm anyone. He had a love for animals and would not hurt any living creature. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was loved by all who met him.”
Debbie said his death had left a gapping hole in their lives that will never be filled. “Both his siblings, Morag and Raymond, are also battling with the loss of their big brother. Our lives have been torn apart,” she added.
Westville murders
During the last two years, Westville was under siege by home invasions attacks. Five well known businessmen were shot and killed during the house robberies.
Yashin Bagwandeen was the first victim. He was murdered while trying to protect his family in his home in Mottramdale Road, Berea West, on Tuesday, 14 July 2015. No arrests were made.
Six months later, Gordon Donaldson (55), was brutally killed by unknown men in his home in Gardenia Place in Westville, while trying to protect his wife on 26 January 2016. No arrests were made.
ALSO READ: Search is on for Westville serial rapist
A week later, Pierre Van Schalkwyk was shot during a home invasion in Westville on Sunday, 31 January. He died two weeks later in hospital.
Gary Mackay shot and killed in an alleged house robbery in Duncan Park in Westville, on 3 September 2016. No arrests were made.
Paresh Bodalia was shot in the head, in front of his twins, outside his home on Chearsley Road on Saturday, 5 November 2016 during an attempted hijacking. Four men were arrested in Hillcrest for the murder of Bodalia on 7 November 2016.
Police say cases aren’t closed
Capt Elizabeth Squires, spokesperson at Westville SAPS said a murder docket is never closed until the murder has been solved.
“At this stage, what appears to have occurred is the docket is filed as no new information is available and the detective investigation has gone as far as it can possibly go with the information available. Naturally as soon as more information comes to light, the investigation can resume. The detective should liaise with the victim’s family if there is new information to report,” said Squires.
Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5409.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Highway Mail WhatsApp number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts
