Horror as body found in freezer

APHOENIX man made a horrific discovery when he came home from work and could not find his sister, who lived with him. His search led him to their deep freezer, in which she was found, dead.

According to a police source, Mala Devi Singh had battled depression for years and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

An inquest docket was opened after Monday’s grisly discovery at the Shastri Park home as there were apparently no evidence of a crime committed.

Singh, 46, lived with her brother, Anil Singh, who had left for work at 8.30am when everything had seemed fine, said the source, who is familiar with the investigation.

He returned home at 4.30pm and was unable to find his sister.

“He became worried and took a walk through their home. When he went to the kitchen he noticed a step ladder next to the freezer and the basket from the freezer was lying on one side.”

The source said that when he lifted the lid of the freezer he found his sister’s semi-frozen body.

“The man called his workers to help him remove his sister’s body from the freezer and he contacted paramedics for assistance.”

Glen Naidoo of VIP Security said his team was called to the scene and his paramedics certified the woman dead.

According to the source, the woman did not have any visible injuries and there was no sign of forced entry into the house.

“The victim was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and for the past five years suffered from depression.”

Umesh Singh, chairman of the Phoenix Community Policing Forum, said Mala’s death came as a shock and had saddened the community.

“Families who have relatives who are suffering from depression or anxiety need to know that there is professional help out there,” he said. “These issues can be handled and experts can advise families on what they need to do in order to monitor and help their loved ones.”

While Mala’s family declined to comment, the consulting psychologist for the South African Depression and Anxiety Group, Gregory Eccles, said 60% of suicides in South Africa stemmed from depression or bipolar disorder.

“Its important to have a professional perform an assessment on the person affected to determine whether he or she is a high risk in terms of suicide.

“Then only can families take the necessary precautions like monitoring the individual.”

Eccles said signs to watch for include a sudden change in personality or behaviour, talk of suicide or preparing for death.

Police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Thulani Zwane confirmed that an inquest had been opened.