Police are still trying to establish the circumstances of a retired teacher‘s death, following a house robbery in Melkbosstrand last week.

So far, detectives have identified that 70-year-old Sylvia Kirstein died after suspects broke into her home in the early morning hours of last Wednesday.

Her body was found in the garage of her home, but she reportedly had no visible wounds. Her husband, who was also there, was unharmed.

Police say it is not clear what was taken from their home.

Nonetheless, a case of murder and house robbery is being investigated. The suspects fled the scene and are yet to be arrested.  

Meanwhile, the Melkbosstrand Community Policing Forum (CPF) has urged the public to refrain from speculation on the circumstances of the incident.

“The safety and well-being of our residents are of utmost importance, and we urge anyone with information or who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area to come forward,” said the CPF in a statement. 

The CPF has also appealed to the public to report any suspicious activity to the police as soon as possible.

Tribute

The Van Riebeeckstrand Primary School, where Kirstein taught, remembers her as a dearly loved and respected teacher, who had taught at the school until 2016.  

The school said she loved to tend to the school’s garden, just as she cared for her learners “with patience and heart”. 

“Mrs. Kirstein will always be remembered for the wisdom she carried, the gentle yet powerful advice she gave, and the compassionate way she impacted the lives of those around her,” said the school in a statement on social media.  

The school has extended their sympathies to Kirstein’s family, adding that her legacy of kindness and dedication will continue to be rooted in the heart of the Van Riebeeckstrand Primary School.