Rohde legal team quiet on murder investigation

STRESS is taking its toll on the businessman whose wife was found dead at a luxury wine estate in a suspected crime.

Susan Rohde, 47, mother of three and wife of Jason Rohde, national chief executive of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, was found dead on July 24 at Spier wine estate where they were staying for a company function.

Her death was first viewed as a suicide as it appeared she had hanged herself, but police later opened a murder case.

Antony Mostert, acting on behalf of the Rohde family, said: “Jason is obviously suffering from stress but is trying to be strong to support his three young daughters who are all going through an extremely difficult time.

“As can be expected, this is a devastating time for Jason, his daughters and the whole family. They are having to deal with both Susan’s tragic death and speculative reports.”

An inquest docket was opened, but on August 4, after post-mortem results, the docket was changed to a murder investigation.

Since then various media publications reported that on the evening before Susan was found dead in the bathroom of their suite, she and Rohde had argued in the hotel bar.

Rohde’s lawyer, Daniel Witz, has been quoted as saying they argued because Susan felt everyone had had enough to drink for the evening. Other publications said the argument was about Susan accusing her husband of having an affair.

This week Rohde’s legal team clammed up on the matter. Mostert said: “This is a matter which is under investigation and it would be inappropriate to comment until such time as the matter has been fully investigated.”

He declined to provide details about the events leading to Susan being found dead, saying it would be inappropriate to deal with these publicly.

This week the investigation into Susan’s suspected murder became clearer. Aside from a police inquiry, an independent forensic investigation was being carried out.

“(This report) will be made made available at the appropriate time. All possible assistance is also being given to the police in their investigation,” Mostert said.

A second port-mortem had been ordered and these results were yet to be finalised.

Asked whether police had questioned Rohde, Mostert said: “Jason and his family are giving the police all possible assistance.”

Photographs of Rohde, Susan and their daughters, as well as the couple with friends, were posted on her Facebook page.

In June, Susan also posted a quote from the Dalai Lama, saying: “Our prime purpose in life is to help others. And if you can’t help them you at least don’t hurt them.”

caryn.dolley@inl.co.za

Jason and Susan Rohde.