Home invasion suspect in court

A 35-year-old man made his first appearance in the Humansdorp Magistrate’s Court yesterday in connection with the murder of 76-year-old Duncan Lethbridge of St Francis Bay in the Eastern Cape, who was killed during a home invasion last week.

Police spokesperson Gerda Swart said there was a possibility Bongani Faku would apply for bail, but it would be opposed by the State.

Police said post-mortem results showed that Lethbridge died as a result of suffocation after he was tied up.

The elderly man, his wife and their housekeeper were assaulted when suspects ransacked their home last Thursday.

Lethbridge was later found dead, his hands bound and mouth covered with tape.

The housekeeper was allegedly working outside when she was approached by two unknown men armed with firearms who pushed her inside before tying up her and her employers.

Two hours after the incident the housekeeper managed to alert neighbours, who immediately called ambulance services and the police.

The neighbours discovered the elderly man lying face down in the living room and when paramedics arrived on the scene they declared him dead.

“The suspects demanded the keys of the safe and the woman was forced to unlock it. The robbers took an undisclosed amount of cash and other valuables before fleeing the scene on foot,” Swart said.

Police are still searching for the second suspect.

The case was postponed until August 29 for further investigation.