Burnt bodies identified as Northcliff kidnap victims

The Naidoo family have confirmed that the three burnt bodies found in Centurion are those of their missing loved ones, who were kidnapped in Northcliff, Johannesburg, on Sunday night.

Nirosha Naidoo released a statement on behalf of the family stating that they identified the burnt bodies by their clothing.

“We have identified the bodies by what remains, [including] clothes and other body parts. We have made no facial recognition, and are still waiting on the results from all the testing that has been done,” Naidoo said.

She said there was a lot of uncertainty as to exactly what happened to their loved ones, as well as the motive behind the kidnapping and killing.

“We are relying on the police to answer this and put to rest all speculation currently circulating. We want to thank the Northcliff community and everyone for their generous and sincere efforts during this time.”

Earlier this week, a grim scene was discovered at the residential premises where an apparent house robbery took place in Northcliff. A witness at the scene reports having seen blood inside the home, while police have confirmed there were signs of a struggle in the home.

According to a reliable source, an armed robbery was reported at the home at about 8.30pm.

Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Kay Makhubela confirmed three people – a couple in their 50s and a woman said to be 23 years old – had allegedly been kidnapped from their home in Northcliff.

Police detectives and forensic teams had attended the scene at the house. Makhubela said they were making sure every piece of evidence was collected.

This week, after hearing the news of the abduction, the Northcliff community got together at a shopping complex opposite the home to support the family. – Caxton News Service