Shocked relatives see bodies

Charred remains were found in open veld at Centurion

THE family of three people found murdered and burnt beyond recognition in Centurion are reeling in shock after identifying their bodies.

A source close to the family yesterday confirmed that the bodies of Gregory Naidoo, 56, Melanie Naidoo, 54, and Rekail Naidoo, 22, were identified by family members on Monday night.

The three were reported to have been abducted from their home in the Johannesburg suburb of Northcliff on Sunday evening.

“This is obviously a very sensitive time for them,” said the source.

“They have been trying to come to terms with what happened because they do not understand what could have led to such a heinous act of violence.”

This comes after the charred remains were found on Monday in open veld at Centurion. According to The Cape Times’ sister paper, the Pretoria News, family members reluctantly went to the scene where the bodies were found.

“I think even though they might have had a feeling that the three bodies were those of their kin, they didn’t want to admit that those bodies could be those of their family.

“So you must understand that they are not willing to talk because they are still trying to come to terms with everything,” said the source.

“All we can do now is wait for the police to complete their tests and get confirmation about the results. But it is a very difficult period for them now.”

Fuad Patel, who spoke to the Pretoria News, said he nearly fainted when he heard that three bodies had been found.

At the time, he said, he was hopeful that the bodies were not those of his relatives because his cousin’s cellphone was still switched on.

ER24 spokesperson Russel Meiring said the bodies were bound, gagged and burned at the time they were found.

Police spokesperson Captain Kay Makhubele yesterday could not confirm whether the bodies were those of the missing family and said he was not aware that the family had identified the bodies.

Makhubele said the bodies were burnt beyond recognition, leaving police with few details to work with to fast-track the identification process.

“At this moment, I can’t say. We are waiting for the forensic team to complete the DNA tests,” he said.