Ned Sturgeon murdered
BARBERTON - The community is reeling from shock following the murder of a muchloved resident, Edwin Sturgeon, on Tuesday night.
Sturgeon, fondly known as Ned, was found dead on Wednesday morning after he had allegedly been strangled. He had walked the earth for 86 years, seven months and two days.
His body was discovered upon the arrival of his domestic worker at about 09:00, who then notified the SAPS.
Although the police confirmed the incident, they could not provide Lowvelder with more details.
It was, therefore, unclear by the time of going to press whether any of his personal belongings had been stolen.
"It is also not known how many suspects had been involved. A case of house robbery and murder was opened. No arrests have been made," said a provincial police spokesperson, Col Donald Mdhluli.
Sturgeon is of an old Barberton family of grocers and traders. He remained active in civic matters like heritage conservation. Less than a month ago an open letter he penned regarding the future management of the Barberton/Makhonjwa Mountains' geological site, was published in Lowvelder.
This past weekend, he still proudly stood and watched the 50th anniversary parade of the SA Irish Pipes and Drums in Barberton, in honour of our military history. He himself had been a World War II veteran.
He spoke fondly of Barberton, often referring to it as a treasure.
According to his son, George, he and his brother, Tony, his two grandsons, friends, the Barberton community and South Africa have lost a great patriot.
"Ned dedicated his life to doing the right thing and was fearless in doing it!" he said.
A dear friend, who had known him for many years, Sheryn Nader, referred to him as a mensch. "In Yiddish, it is a person of integrity, morality and dignity with a deep sense of what is right and responsible. As you always remembered those who had gone before, so will we remember you," she said. The family said there was no better way to describe him.
The Sturgeons were not able to comment at the time of going to press. A full tribute to Ned's life is intended for the next edition of Lowvelder.
His body was discovered upon the arrival of his domestic worker at about 09:00, who then notified the SAPS