The Begonia Rd, Gllenhills home of the Roberts, where Crystal Roberts (72) was killed. Picture: Sandile Ndlovu
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When benevolent Donnybrook English teacher Barry Roberts was murdered in 2004 by children he had taken under his wing, the case prompted a judge to wonder what the province was coming to.
This week his two siblings, Crystal and Dennis Roberts, died under equally horrifying circumstances. Their shattered children and grandchildren have been left questioning why it is that three people who devoted so much of their lives to educating and supporting others, should have met such tragic ends.
According to former colleagues at Donnybrook Primary School, Barry, 65, was a quiet man who devoted himself to helping orphans and poor pupils. So much so that he was often without money for food and petrol soon after pay day.
“My mom and Barry got paid on different days of the month,” said Crystal’s daughter Jenni. “She would lend him money, and then he’d pay her back, and so on. The money he borrowed would go on food and books, and uniforms for the children.”
In March 2004 a Grade 11 pupil, Sipho Sokhela, whom Barry had supported through school, and his friend, Mduduzi Dlamini, 21, asked him for a ride.
They overpowered Barry and locked him in his car boot for six hours. When the car ran out of petrol they demanded money. Barry said he did not have any, so they stabbed him, shot him at point-blank range and then doused his body in paraffin and set him alight.
Judge Vivienne Niles-Duner sentenced them to life imprisonment, plus 15 years for murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances, and 12 months for the kidnapping.
Handing down judgment, she said: “Unless the appalling level of criminality is addressed as a matter of urgency in this country, one has serious concerns about hope for the future.”
After the deaths of Crystal and Dennis, their family is asking the same question.
They shared some of their special memories of their loved ones with the Tribune.
“My dad left South Africa in the early 1960s because he was very politically active and could not live under apartheid any longer,” said Sam Roberts.
“He and mom married in 1966, and after honeymooning in South Africa, dad took up a teaching post in the UK. By the time he retired he was a respected headmaster at a Sheffield high school.
“He wanted to spend the rest of his life in his beloved South Africa, and arranged that each year he’d pay for one of his three children to visit him in Durban. It was going to be my turn this month. Instead, I came home to say goodbye.”
At Friday’s memorial service for the slain siblings, Crystal’s daughter, Tracy Basson, said: “You were always there for me, regardless of my choices in life. The time I spent living next door to you was so precious. It’s time to kick back and relax. Take off your bra, Mom, we’ve got things covered.”
Reading a message from his sister Rebecca, to their father, Sam said: “Dear Dad. I am so glad we came to see you last Christmas. Meeting your wonderful South African family meant so much, and exploring the beautiful country you loved so much. You were an inspiration to me. I admired your flamboyance; your love of chandeliers and exotic fruit. Thank you for bringing me up with so much love.”
Dennis’s wife, Margaret, asked for a Shakespearian sonnet to be read. Her choice spoke volumes about her acceptance of Dennis’s chosen path: “Let me not to the marriage of true minds admit impediments. Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds, or bends with the remover to remove.”
Crystal’s daughters and son described their mother as a woman who delighted in family, classical music, theatre and the beauty in the small daily things she observed around her.
“She had such a sense of life, fun and laughter,” said Jenni Gerrard.
Crystal worked as an office manager and credit controller until she was 70 years old, to put her “laatlammetjie” Janice Engelbrecht (now 28) through university.
Paying tribute to Crystal, close friend and DA ward councillor Heinz de Boer said: “Every good word that has been said about her was true. We used to have ward meetings at Crystal’s home and she’d greet you at the door with a smothering hug and then ply you with home-baked treats.” – Sunday Tribune
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Tragedy stalks grieving family