An elderly couple in Booysens, Pretoria, were found dead in their home after concerned neighbours raised the alarm, with their trapped pet cats allegedly eating parts of their bodies during the weeks they lay undiscovered.

Local residents called for help on Sunday evening, June 21, after realising they had not seen the well-known couple for some time, reports Pretoria Rekord.

According to ward councillor Leon Kruyshaar, residents returned on Monday morning, June 22, and decided to gain access to the property in Wilhelm Street after receiving no response.

“We inspected the outside and could see a pair of feet through the window, but it was not clear whether the person was alive or dead. When we entered the home, we found the well-known elderly couple dead on their bed,” said Kruyshaar.

Due to the advanced state of decomposition, it is believed the couple had been dead for at least two weeks before their bodies were discovered.

Kruyshaar said one of the most horrific aspects of the discovery was finding the couple’s pet cats still trapped inside the home.

“The cats had been locked inside the house with no way to get out. By the time we found the couple, the cats had eaten parts of their faces and hands,” he said.

The circumstances surrounding the couple’s deaths remain unknown at this stage.

Police have not yet confirmed the incident or provided further information.

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