Murder in Maroela avenue

Rustenburg – “The community of Rustenburg is shocked by the suspected brutal murder of a defenceless, frail old man this weekend,” captain Elsabé Augoustides, a police spokesperson said in an interview with the Platinum Weekly newspaper.

Wilhelm Gustav Napoleon Wagner (88), known to his closest as ‘Oom Willie’, was allegedly brutally murdered in his own home in Maroela avenue, Protea Park in Rustenburg. He was living alone after his wife passed away seven and a half years ago.

Oom Willie is described as a passionate soul with a love for gardening.

“We suspect that the alleged murder took place between 14h00 on Sunday afternoon, 4 February, and Monday morning, 5 February. Police investigations are underway,” Augoustides said.

After attending a church service on Sunday, Wagner and a friend went to lunch, after which he dropped the friend off at home. This was the last time that Wagner was seen alive.

The following morning Wagner had a doctor’s appointment.The friend phoned to remind him of the appointment, calling his landline number and then his cell phone number, receiving no reply on either.
Being concerned, she notified Wagner’s son.

Wagner’s son Richard, who stays in Krugersdorp and works in Marikana, drove through to Rustenburg to check on his aged father. When he entered the house, Richard made the shocking discovery.
“It is unclear at this stage how the unknown number of suspects gained entry into the house,” said Augoustides. “The investigative team is examining the camera system to figure out if anything was recorded. Wagner is believed to have been murdered with a sharp object.”

At this stage, it seems as if only the DVR camera system’s hard drive was stolen.

“We do not know if this incident is linked to an attack in 2015 in the same house,” said Augoustides. During the attack, Wagner injured his hip and underwent a hip replacement.

Wagner will be laid to rest on Friday, 9 February. The memorial service will be held at the AGS church in Ridder street at 11h00.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Oom Willie.

The family wants to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their thoughtful messages, prayers and support.