Cape Town - A popular retired teacher has been stabbed to death in his Cape Town home during a robbery.
Denzil “Dabs” Bizaare, 72, spent most of his life educating people in Mitchells Plain and Khayelistha.
Even after retirement Bizaare was still filling positions as an invigilator during matric examinations and helped out with adult education in Khayelistha.
But, the teacher’s life was cruelly snuffed out on Tuesday afternoon when robbers invaded his Mandalay home.
Police say suspects removed roof tiles to gain access to the house through the fireplace.
The unknown number of suspects overpowered Bizaare and stabbed him to death, leaving his body covered with a blanket.
Bizaare ’s cousin Bruce Dawson says it was the deceased’s wife Vanessa who returned to their Mandalay home to find her husband’s body.
“She works until 3pm,” Dawson explained.
“She stopped at the ATM and at the shop and bought a cooldrink and two ice-creams. She walked inside the house and began calling him. She called and called and he didn’t answer.”
It was when she entered their bedroom that she made the grim discovery.
“He was found lying next to the bed and they (the attackers) had covered him with a blanket. When she removed the blanket, she saw he was covered in blood,” said Dawson.
“They must have been surprised to find him home,” he said. “They even took off his wedding ring.”
Dawson says Vanessa struggled to contact Bizaare via the telephone the same day.
“She would normally call Denzil during the day but on Tuesday he didn’t answer and she found it strange.”
Dawson said Bizaare was a teacher for most of his life and was an educator until his last breath.
“He taught at Spine Road High, Montagu Drive Primary and after retiring he was teaching mathematics in Khayelistha,” said Dawson.
“He also taught adult education and was a relief teacher and invigilator.”
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk says police have yet to make any arrests.
“A murder case was opened for investigation,” Van Wyk said.
* Anyone with information can contact Detective Constable Morne Sass on 082 411 2382 or 021 377 5042 or on the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.
Daily Voice