Veteran Ermelo doctor’s senseless murder
THE murder of Ermelo veteran doctor, Yasvantray Bhoola, who was allegedly strangled to death, has sent shock waves through the close-knit community.
Police were alerted to his Cassim Park residence after the 74-year-old did not pitch for dinner at a relative’s home.
His body was discovered after the relatives arrived at the home when he failed to answer numerous phone calls.
Ermelo SAPS spokesperson Captain Carla Prinsloo said the women reportedly entered the house and discovered Bhoola’s body sprawled on the floor. His hands and feet were tied.
“One of the women noticed the automated garage door was open and that one of Bhoola’s vehicles was not in the garage.
“It is alleged that a group of unknown men arrived at the doctor’s surgery, which is located at his home, pretending they were seeking medical assistance and attacked him shortly thereafter,” she said.
Bhoola had been living alone since his wife’s death in 2018.
“The suspects demanded that he show them where the safe was. They then robbed him of his cellphone and strangled him before fleeing in his BMW 7 Series,” she said.
The vehicle was found abandoned next to a school later that evening.
His nephew, Dr Deepak Bhika, said they were in shock.
“He has been treating this community, which is quite small, for the past 49 years. He was loved and respected by all. He was also a mentor and spiritual leader in the Hindu community. His death can only be described as a senseless killing, and an inhumane act on the elderly,” he said.
Bhoola’s funeral is expected to take place today.