Ex-mayor’s son beaten to death

FORMER Thembelihle mayor Danny Jonas is calling for a full investigation into the death of his 25-year-old son, who was apparently beaten to death in Kraaifontein, Cape Town on Tuesday night.

Jonas said that his son’s body was covered in bruises and lash wounds, while blood was seeping out of his mouth.

“It was a very brutal death, where it is believed that he was assaulted, kicked and beaten. No stab wounds were visible. His body was found lying in the street, near to where he lived with his grandmother.”

Jonas stated that his son, Vuyani, had left Strydenburg last month in search of work in the Western Cape.

“He was supposed to come home at the end of the month as he had not found any job opportunities. Now we will never see him again. His death was unnecessary. We will wait for forensics to conduct an autopsy before we can bring him home and bury him.”

Jonas added that according to his son’s friend, who was with him at the time of the assault, the mob which attacked him had accused him of stealing a television.

“He was walking with his friend when the group approached him in the street at about 6pm on Tuesday evening. Vuyani, his friend and an eye witnesses told the mob that he was innocent. It must have been a case of a mistaken identity.

“One of the suspects is apparently a police officer, who was yesterday seen packing his bags into a vehicle. I am not sure if he has fled, as no one has been arrested yet for this heinous crime. I want a full investigation into his death.”

Western Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana, confirmed that a case of murder had been opened for investigation.

“The incident occurred on January 9 at 7.50pm in Magubudela Street, Bloekombos, Kraaifontein.”

Rwexana indicated that police who arrived at the scene found that the deceased had sustained multiple injuries. “It is alleged that the victim was beaten by the suspects.”

The police said a 32-year-old SAPS member and a 28-year-old suspect were arrested in Kraaifontein in connection with the murder on Tuesday night.