Investigations are still underway after a Muldersdrift resident was brutally murdered during a suspected armed robbery on 20 September.
Family and friends paid their respects on 30 September in two services at the Greek Orthodox Church in Krugersdorp at 2pm, and at the New Day Church in Muldersdrift at 3:30pm.
The murder of Virgil Pappas is but one of the frequent cases of the crime-ridden area and has several residents taking shelter elsewhere.
Charles Culbert, a neighbour of the deceased, said he took two pies to the him at around 8pm when he heard two gunshots from the house and did not get an answer when he tried to call the victim.
“Virgil Pappas was staying in the house next to mine while the owners were away. When he didn’t answer after two calls, I phoned the owner. In the meantime, I contacted Drift Reaction CC and my pastor,who then called Muldersdrift police.”
Culbert added he accompanied the security company around the property where they found Pappa’s body between two bakkies, with two bullet wounds in his back. According to the Muldersdrift police, one shot hit the victim’s bone and went out through the back of his head.
A spokesperson for the Steynsvlei-Northvale Ratepayers Association (SNRA) said their areas are under continuous attack and the level of crime has gotten out of hand recently.
“There is an attack every single night and our dogs and animals are even being poisoned. We are really living in fear and it is just ridiculous, The police provide very little help and so we just have to take it upon ourselves as community”
SNRA has whatsapp groups where they continuosly alert each other about any activities in the surrounding areas and properties.
Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Lungelo Dlamini said the suspects are still at large. “Investigation into this case is continuing and no suspect(s) has been identified. Police are also appealing to anyone with information to come forward. Information may be forwarded to Crime Stop at 086 001 10111 or to Prime Media Crime Line with an SMS 32211 at all hours,” said Dlamini.
