Rosebank and Mowbray residents are overcome with shock after couple Rosalie Bloch, 84, and Aubrey Jackson, 96, were found murdered in their Rosebank home on Saturday May 5.
Police spokesperson, Constable Noloyiso Rwexana said a family member discovered the tied-up bodies around 9am on Saturday and it is believed that the crime was a burglary that escalated into murder.
Rosebank and Mowbray Civic Association chairperson, Jonathan Hobday, was left stunned by what he referred to as a “heartless murder”.
“All people in the Rosebank and Mowbray community are deeply shocked at the heartless murders of Rosalie Bloch and her companion, Aubrey Jackson, particularly because they were so elderly and vulnerable,” he said.
Ms Bloch was the mother of Professor Graeme Bloch, the renowned South African educationist, who is married to struggle stalwart Cheryl Carolus, a former ambassador to London.
“We extend our deepest sympathy to the Bloch and Jackson families. We express the hope that the perpetrators will swiftly be brought to account. Details of the crime remain sketchy, but we know that an intensive investigation by the Murder and Robbery Squad is under way and all leads are being followed up,” Mr Hobday added.
No arrests had been made and cases of murder and house robbery were opened. It was still unclear as to what was removed from the house.
A resident nearby was left stunned by the news, as she regularly spotted the couple on their walks and referred to them as a “sweet, sweet couple, who seemed as if they would not have it in them to harm a fly”.
She chose to remain anonymous, but said: “How threatening could this couple have been? They were so old. If they were robbing the place, take what you want and leave, but to take away their lives in such fashion is absolutely horrible.”
Other residents were too distraught to speak at the time, with many being left puzzled by the murder.
Anybody with information that could help in the investigation can call Mowbray police on 021 680 9588.
