An interim post mortem examination was conducted today, following the death at North Shore Hospital of Anja Pootjes-Knuppe yesterday.
The 85-year-old was the victim of a robbery at her Northcote house, last Tuesday March 30. Her handbag was taken in the robbery; it contained approximately $7000 in travellers cheques and Euro dollars.
An interim finding from the post mortem examination is that the 85-year-old died as a result of heart disease. Detective Senior Sergeant Gary Davey says, "This is only an interim finding and more investigation is required both from a medical and legal standing, as to whether there is any causal link between the assault and death of Mrs Pootjes-Knuppe.
Police have increased the number of investigative staff working on the inquiry and are again asking the public for their help in finding those responsible for the robbery.
"This is a very sad situation for the family of Mrs Pootjes-Knuppe as they now deal with her death. This was a cowardly attack on an elderly lady using a walking frame, going into her own house. Someone will know something and if they have any sort of human decency they will come forward with the information," says Detective Senior Sergeant Gary Davey.
Police believe the 85-year-old, who had just been at the ASB Bank at the Northcote Shopping Centre, may have been followed back to her house.
After the attack, the offender ran from the victim’s house on College Road to a waiting vehicle, parked in Cadness Street. An associate drove him from the scene down Cadness Street away from College Road. The getaway vehicle was a red BMW, late 80's model.
Police are appealing for any sightings of a red BMW, late 80’s model particularly round the time of the robbery, last Tuesday at about 12:30pm.
The offender is described as a male Polynesian or Maori aged in his twenties or thirties. He was 5'10-6' tall and solid build. He was reasonably tidy in his dress and appearance.
Anyone with information should contact the Takapuna CIB on 488 6200.
All media inquiries to:
Jayson Rhodes
Communications Manager
North Shore/Waitakere/Rodney Police District
4889 758 or 027 281 0271.