Murdered couple were ‘inseparable’

THE friends of a Welsh couple murdered in South Africa have paid tribute to the “inseparable” husband and wife.

Christine and Roger Solik, who moved from Abercynon to South Africa in 1981, were killed in a robbery at their farmland estate.

Police are now searching for the armed raiders who broke into their house, tied the couple up and dumped their bodies in a river.

Christine, 57, was found dead in a river 45 miles from her home. The body of her husband, Roger, a 66-yearold Parkinson’s sufferer, was discovered later.

The couple were described by their children as “inseparable” and police said they are “working around the clock” to find their killers.

Lynne Thomas, a friend of the couple, was a bridesmaid at their wedding.

She said: “I have known them for a long time. I’ve known Christine since birth. She was about 10 years older than me and was a bit of a mother figure. She took me everywhere with her when I was little.

“I have a lot of memories of Christine from when we were younger. She was a lovely, lovely person. She was so genuine and kind. I just hope they are able to catch the people who did this.”

Rhondda Cynon Taf mayor Rhys Lewis said: “The whole community of Abercynon and Bryncynon has been shocked by the news of the deaths of Christine and Roger Solik.

“Christine and Roger moved to South Africa in the early 1980s but still have many family members in the community.

“My heart goes out to the members of their family, many of whom I know.

“Although I did not know them personally, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the Solik family and all those who knew them on behalf of the community of Abercynon and Bryncynon.”

The KwaZulu-Natal Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Bheki Langa, said: “The team has assured me that they are working around the clock and will not rest until the killers are brought to book.”

He has directed Brigadier Clifford Marion to head the investigation.

A Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokeswoman said: “We are in contact with the local police following the deaths of two British people in South Africa on February 17.

“We are ready to support their family in any way we can at this difficult time.”