Members of the Parkweg police station in Bloemfontein are investigating the circumstances under which three people died in a house at 2 Van Heerden Street, Wilgehof.
Yesterday shocked residents gathered outside the Byenes day care centre at this address, where the bodies of Christo Theron (36), his wife, Janine (35), as well as Janine’s mother, Betsie Kruger (66), had been found at 08:50.
The police were summoned to the scene and spent the day gathering evidence.
Capt. Loraine Earle, police spokesperson, says a preliminary investigation has revealed that the three victims were tied up and strangled. It is not yet clear how many suspects were involved.
The suspects left the scene with money, a laptop and personal belongings of the victims.
Earle says apart from the three victims, a 91-year-old woman was also in the house at the time of the murders. The woman however apparently does not know what happened, and it is believed that she slept while the events unfolded.
Members of the community have voiced their shock about the death of the three victims, who were well-known and beloved. Betsie was the owner of the day care centre on the same premises as the house.
A memorial event will be held tomorrow at 14:00 in front of the premises, where people will be welcome to put down flowers and to light candles.
Anyone with information about this incident is requested to call Capt. Sebata Mosema on 082-526-2713, or Capt. David Ramasoala on 082-468-1624.
