FOLLOW-UP: Police find final will on scene where Bethal-couple died
On the floor were a rifle and a shotgun with two cartridges.
The community is still reeling in shock after the bodies of well-known local residents, Mr André (61) and Ms Marita du Randts (60), were found on their bed with gunshot wounds to their heads on Monday, July 19.
On the floor were a rifle and a shotgun with two cartridges.
This gruesome discovery was made after the police received a complaint at about 08.30 from a domestic worker who could not access her employers’ home in Davel Road.
She also tried to call both her employers, but none of them responded to her calls.
According to information received, residents in the neighbourhood have a neighbourhood watch group on which they call each other to check if everyone is still okay.
However, there was no response from the Du Randts. A neighbour tried to call them but to no avail.
The neighbour then called another neighbour and informed her that she also could not get hold of the Du Randts.
The neighbour was concerned and drove to the Du Randt-residence where she met the domestic worker.
The domestic worker opened the main entrance to the Du Randt’s home and both the women entered to see what the problem might be.
They noticed that the security door leading to the bedrooms was closed and locked.
They also found it strange that the dog, which sleeps in the house with the couple, did not bark when hearing movement in the house.
The dog was nowhere to be heard or found.
The women also noticed that all the cars were still parked in the garage.
The neighbour continued to phone the couple, but only Ms Du Randt’s phone was ringing.
She then immediately informed the police.
When police arrived, the women told them what they had observed.
The police forced open the security door to the bedrooms as well as the bedroom door, which was closed and locked.
The couple were found on their bed with gunshot wounds to their heads.
The carcass of the Du Randt’s dog was found in the bathroom.
A will and testament was also found on the scene.
All role players were summoned to the scene.
A paramedic from Netcare 911 certified both the husband and the wife dead on the scene.
Mr Du Randt, who was the area manager for Pannar Seed, was described by his community as hard-working man with a soft personality.
Ms Du Randt formerly worked for Edgars and the Foschini Group. She eventually stopped working and became very much involved in her church and its community.
She was also described as an incredible artist who had a knack for painting the most beautiful flowers and wild life.
The couple’s only son, Mr Bennie du Randt, lives abroad.
The motive behind the death of the couple is not yet known.
The police are now investigating a case of murder and an inquest.
Police request anyone with information to contact Det-Sgt December Jele at 060 802 2876 or Police National crime stop number at 08600 10111 or sms crime line at 32211.
