Authorities are investigating the murder of an 80-year-old pastor from Parow who was found tied up in his home shortly after 9am on Tuesday morning.
Pastor Dirk Miller, who was part of the Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) in Goodwood, was discovered dead in his Parow North residence after what appears to be a house robbery, Cape {town} Etc reports.
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Miller had not been seen by his neighbours for two days, raising concern among those who regularly interacted with him. Neighbours noted that his curtains, usually open, had remained drawn, which further fuelled their worries.
One neighbour, who described Miller as someone who was always willing to lend a hand, said the pastor was the type to bring in others’ trash bins if left out too long.
‘When I got home on Monday and saw my bin still outside, I knew something was off,’ the neighbour said.
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Stefan Carsten, chairperson of the Parow North Neighbourhood Watch, recalled the heartbreaking moment when he entered Miller’s home after being alerted by concerned residents and tenants.
‘Both neighbours and his tenants hadn’t seen him, and we were worried. When we found him, it was tragic,’ Carsten shared.
Carsten emphasised that the murder has sparked fear in the community, particularly among the elderly. ‘This incident is a sobering reminder that we need to take better care of the older members of our community,’ he added.
Henry Strydom, a church elder who had worked with Miller in the past, expressed disbelief over the loss of his colleague. ‘He was such a warm-hearted person, always quick to engage with people, especially the elderly. When I heard the news, I was in shock. I couldn’t understand who could do something like this,’ Strydom reflected.
Ward Councillor Roger Canon urged residents to remain vigilant and look out for each other. ‘We must be each other’s eyes and ears, particularly for the vulnerable in our neighbourhoods. Report anything suspicious immediately,’ Canon said.
Police spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi confirmed that the case is being treated as a house robbery, with the suspects still at large.
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