The ward councillor for the Parow area says residents are shocked and the elderly are living in fear after a double murder on Monday.

A second suspect was arrested on Wednesday in connection with the murder of 77-year-old Betsy, and 71-year-old Pieter Senekal, who were found bludgeoned to death in their Parow Valley home on Monday morning.

The police suspect burglars had broken in through the roof of the couple’s home in Market Street, before brutally attacking the couple.

One suspect, a 27 year old man who is believed to be a known drug addict, was arrested that same day, while the second man, a 34 year old, was arrested on Wednesday.

The 27 year old man made a court appearance in the Bellville Magistrate court on Thursday, and the case was remanded to Wednesday 29 November for bail information.

The 34 year old suspect is scheduled to appear in the Bellville Magistrates’ court on Monday, 27 November on a charge of Murder.

Parow Ward councillor Franchesca Walker says the community is outraged at what has happened to these senior citizens and they are all still very emotional.

She says most of the senior citizens living in this established area are already at an advanced age, having lived in their homes for decades, and some of their adult children are taking leave to take care of their parents over this difficult time.

Many community members are fearful of leaving their parents alone. I’ve been to the area, and spoken to community leaders and residents, it will take some time for them to overcome the seriousness of this crime.

Walker says she believes this was an isolated incident, but they are nevertheless embarking on a senior’s programme to give them safety tips and all the relevant contact details for emergency services in the area.

Walker says she has been in contact with the family members of the couple and extended the City’s condolences.

She has also appealed to younger members of the community to join local Neighbourhood Watch structures in Parow to patrol their streets.

That will being more visibility to the streets, as we know police are under-resourced. We need to all join hands and do what we can to keep our families safe. The community needs to take ownership of their neighbourhoods.

The latest crime statistics show an almost 11% increase in murder cases, and an almost 20% increase in attempted murder cases in the Western Cape.

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