Burn victim was murdered

The KwaNonqaba Police Detective Unit is investigating a charge of murder after the body of an unidentified man was found with burn wounds to the hands and lower body.

Police were called to the scene where the body was found on the weekend of 4 February. Remnants of a fire were found in the bushes between Dube Street and the N2, close to an informal settlement bordering Asla Park.

Initially it was thought the victim may have died as a result of the burn wounds. No visible injuries other than the burn wounds were found on the deceased. An autopsy report, however, indicates there were head injuries and several broken bones, indicating the man may have been assaulted just before he suffered the burns.

The KwaNonqaba police have no record of a missing person report, nor has anyone made enquiries about the victim.

The area where the body was found is at the bottom of a steep hill. Therefore it is likely some of the residents in the adjacent informal houses may have noticed the incident that claimed the life of the victim. Information may be shared anonymously, will be dealt with in the strictest confidence and may be well rewarded. Anyone with information on the identity of the victim or where his family may be traced is asked to contact the investigating officer, Wo Errol Barnard (044 606 5600).

There were head injuries and several broken bones, indicating the man may have been assaulted just before he suffered the burns.

Photo: Nickey le Roux Investigating officer Wo Errol Barnard indicates the spot where the body of the murdered man was found. Behind him, the barrier along the N2 is visible. On the slope he is facing, an informal settlement is taking shape. The area is bordered by Dube...