71-year-old ex-cop murdered at home
Philippi resident’s dog allegedly attacked a 10-year-old boy
AN EX-COP, whose pit bull allegedly attacked a 10-yearold boy weeks ago, was found dead in his home. Seventy-one-year-old Henry Botha of Highlands Estate, Philippi, was murdered and items from his home, including his car were stolen.
Police spokesperson Noloyiso Rwexana said: “A case of murder has been opened after a body of 71-year-old man was found in Highlands Estate, Philippi. No one has been arrested at this stage.”
According to sources, Botha was the owner of the pit bull which attacked Abdush-Shakoor Noordien two weeks ago.
The attack happened just after 4pm on a Friday when the 10-year-old got off the school bus in Philippi. The bleeding boy was taken to Hanover Park Day Hospital by a worker in the area.
Noordien was transferred to Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, where he has since come out of his coma.
“Mr Botha was the sweetest old man and very helpful. The community is left distraught. We think this was done by someone who knew there is no dog anymore. He was bludgeoned with a hammer and the TV and car was also taken,” said a community member.
Emergency Medical and Forensic Pathology Services spokesperson Robert Daniels confirmed the incident and said the cause of death was being investigated.
Rwexana appealed for anyone with information to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.