Dad murdered as children sleep
The home of slain Kraaifontein man Phillip van Zyl, where forensic experts looked for clues on Saturday. Photo: Gareth Smit The home of slain Kraaifontein man Phillip van Zyl, where forensic experts looked for clues on Saturday. Photo: Gareth Smit
A Kraaifontein man was found dead in his home early yesterday with his hands tied and a stab wound to the chest.
Phillip van Zyl, 42, of Waarburgh Road, Joostenbergvlakte in Kraaifontein, was found on a couch in the lounge. A shattered sliding door gave access to the house.
Police said Van Zyl’s children, a boy and a girl, had slept through the attack on their father and were unharmed. Van Zyl’s car, a white Toyota Tazz, was found abandoned near Fisantekraal.
Police spokesman Warrant Officer Gerhard Niemand said police forensics staff were checking for fingerprints and shoeprints.
”The children were sleeping in the house when their father was killed.
“They went to sleep with their father alive and woke up to no father. They were robbed of their father,” said Niemand.
He said the children had been taken to Van Zyl’s sister.
A neighbour, Jean Booysens, said he had heard a bakkie driving up and down between 10pm on Friday night and 1am yesterday, sounding as if it was towing something.
Niemand said the police were hoping community members would come forward with information.
l Anyone with information should contact Warrant Officer Dirkie van Reenen at 021 980 5500 or Crime Stop on 08600 1011. - Weekend Argus