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GEORGE NEWS - An unsolved murder case never closes, it merely goes cold.
Until one fine day when someone finds a new lead or spots something that's been missed, which gives the whole case a lukewarm glow.
That is all that's needed to restart an investigation.
Our fixation with "whodunits" and programmes on cold cases featured on DStv is deeply embedded.
In George, however, we've had some of our own. Over the next eight months a series of cold case studies will feature in the George Herald, revisiting some of our town's most talked about and thought about murders.
These are all cases that have not yet been solved.
The murder of Leon du Rand
On Valentine's Day six years ago, Leon du Rand (56) was murdered in his bed in his house in Meent Street, Heather Park.
He was attacked in the early hours of the morning.
His body was found in the main bedroom with open wounds to his head.
He had also been stabbed several times.
No one has been arrested and the case has never served in court.
It appears that the attackers, two men, entered the house through the front door, which was unlocked.
Leon du Rand.
The only person who could testify about what happened that morning, is Du Rand's wife, Merle. She heard noises in the house and got up to investigate.
According to previous police reports, she hid behind a bed in the guest room from where she notified the police of the incident, unharmed.
The attackers fled on foot. Two laptops and a cellphone were missing after the incident.
Kyk twee video's hieronder:
Six years later
In a bizarre twist of fate, the new owner of Du Rand Engineering, the business previously owned by Leon du Rand, was attacked at the business premises in 65 Laing Street, George Industria two weeks ago.
Jannie Venter was attacked and left for dead on 30 January.
The investigating officer working on Venter's case has recently been assigned to the Du Rand murder case.
W/O Jerome Malan took over the case after it lay dormant for years.
According to Captain Malcolm Pojie, provincial police spokesperson, the investigation team has expanded.
"Cases like these never close, they remain dormant," said Pojie.
"The investigation is in an advanced stage and once the dossier has been fully investigated, it will be submitted to the senior prosecutor for a decision.
It is a very complicated case and we had to wait a long time for forensic results."
He said there were no witnesses. "It is difficult to connect the murder to a specific suspect. We only have a few clues," he said.
Telephone records of Du Rand's phone are being investigated by the police forensic team.
According to Pojie this is the last piece of the jagged puzzle they are waiting for, before handing the case over to the senior prosecutor.
Leon du Rand was an avid bass fisherman.
Waiting for closure
In conversation with the family it was apparent that they are desperate for closure. "It has been a very difficult time," said Merle du Rand.
"It was hard on the whole family. It's been six years and we are hoping the investigation will draw to an end.
"I have always given my full cooperation to the police. The family is awaiting the prosecutor's decision."
