Businessman’s body found in abandoned house

POLICE are searching for those involved in the murder of a Durban businessman whose body was found in Bellair yesterday.

When Dhanpall Rajcoomar, 53, did not arrive at his Pinetown home on Tuesday evening, his family went to the Bellair police station and reported him missing. His family also contacted private security company Reaction

Unit South Africa ( Rusa) director Prem Balram for assistance.

Balram said Rajcoomar operated a “truck- for- hire business” and on the day of his disappearance was expected to meet a customer outside the Bellair police station.

SAPS spokesperson Captain Nqobile Gwala said Rajcoomar’s body was found in an abandoned house in Mount Vernon Road in Bellair, just after 8am. Rajcoomar’s hands had been tied behind his back and his legs tied with cable ties.

A case of murder was being investigated by Bellair SAPS.

Balram said according to Rajcoomar’s customer, they were looking to hire his Isuzu truck to pick up a window frame. He said when the businessman failed to return home his family made enquires and obtained CCTV footage.

“The CCTV footage showed someone other than him driving the truck. His cellphone was on but rang without being answered,” Balram said.

Rajcoomar’s truck was recovered at a property in Welbedacht, Chatsworth, on Wednesday.

His son, Akshay, said the one tyre was deflated and there was damage to the body work.

He said the family were devastated and declined to comment, saying the matter was under police investigation.

Rajcoomar’s body was found by a member of the Malvern/ Bellair Community Policing Forum.

CPF chairperson Malcolm Naidoo referred all queries to the police.

Tactical Shooting Team spokesperson Rivaaj Ramdas and volunteers had been searching for Rajcoomar since midnight on Tuesday.

Ramdas searched for a signal for Rajcoomar’s phone, which was picked up in Malvern.