FIVE days before Christmas, Vincent Enslin, (32), a former Middelburg rugby player, was murdered after being attacked by three men while holidaying in a self-catering establishment in Umdoni South Road, Pennington.
Enslin was on holiday with his uncle, Hennie Heyns (54) and his girlfriend, Marche Fick, (34), when the men allegedly removed the bathroom window to gain entry into the house.
The attack has left the Gauteng couple shocked and broken.
Mr Heyns said they had a braai, after which they went to bed, but were woken by a noise at about 3am. He added that while he was fighting off his attackers, he heard Mr Enslin shout for help.
Mr Heyns was stabbed in the hand and cheek, while Mr Enslin was fatally stabbed in the neck.
Police spokesman, Captain Vincent Pandarum, said Mr Heyns and Ms Fick were tied up and gagged by the intruders. Mr Heyns explained they managed to get loose and untie their hands and feet and go to Enslin’s bedroom.
“By the time we got to him he was dead. I tried CPR for 10 minutes, but it was sadly too late,” said Mr Heyns.
Fondly known as the ‘gentle giant’,Mr Enslin will be remembered as a big man with a soft heart, who always laughed. Mr Heyns said he was a wonderful friendly person who loved to cook and keep fit.
Capt Pandarum said the robbers ransacked the house taking a TV set, laptop, money, alcohol and cellphones among other items.
“The thieves fled in the Heyns’ vehicle with the stolen property but abandoned the vehicle nearby in Douglas Road,” he said.
Capt Pandarum addedthat despite an extensive search with the aid of patrol dogs from Umzinto K9 Unit police failed to find the attackers.
“The robbers disappeared into the bushes when they saw a security company vehicle approaching,” he added.
The Scottburgh SAPS Cluster Detective Task Team is investigating charges of house robbery and murder.
No arrests have been made as yet, and investigations are continuing.
