The well-known Dr Yasvantray Bhoola (75) was found murdered in his home in Cassim Park on Sunday, 10 March.
Close friends who had access to his house, found his garage doors open and his car missing when they went to look for him, after he failed to arrive for their dinner arrangements.
They went into the house to look for him and saw signs of disturbance and knew something was wrong and called for help.
“They discovered the body of Dr Bhoola tied up with cable ties in his bedroom at about 7pm,” said Capt Carla Prinsloo, Ermelo Police spokesman.
The police suspect that the suspects presented them self as patients.
As the police and neighborhood watch teams were investigating the scene, community members were seen in shock and deeply touched by the sudden death of Dr Bhoola.
The post mortem indicates that the doctor was strangled to death.
Ermelo Police found his gold BMW 7 series in Siluma Street, near Lindile High School in Wesselton.
As the news broke on social media, hundreds of messages came through of people expressing their condolences to his family and friends.
Dr Bhoola was born and raised in Ermelo. After school he studied to become a medical doctor at the University of Cape Town.
He returned to Ermelo after his studies to serve the community and surrounding towns.
According to one of Dr Bhoola’s closest friends, he has practiced medicine in Ermelo for the past 48 years and had clinics in Sheepmoore, Davel and Morgenzon that he visited on a regular basis to assist patients.
He lost his wife due to diabetes in September last year and was staying alone in Cassim Park.
He leaves behind his four children.
“He was a kind man, who always had time for a joke and never took life too serious.
“He was community driven and went out of his way to help others,” said Dr Bhika.
He added that during a conversation with Dr Bhoola, he was told that the doctor wanted to build a community centre with a library to create awareness for the Hindu religion.
Dr Bhoola who was always willing to help others, even helped patients at night, but stopped his nightly practice about four years ago when he and his wife were attacked.
He was an active man who loved tennis, soccer and golf. His death is described as a devastating and tragic loss, as he was seen as a community and spiritual leader.
“He was a pillar in the Indian Community and he was ripped away from us. His absence will be felt by all for years to come,” Dr Bhika concluded.
