A man who was believed to be beaten to death was found on a pathway in Durban, which has prompted the police to open an investigation into murder. On Thursday the city’s Marshall Security Managing director Tyrone Powell said that at about 6.12am, the Marshall Security Emergency Dispatch Centre received an urgent message from a local Crime alert WhatsApp Group.
According to the report, a body was found on a pathway between Crow Place and Johanna Road in the Sea Cow Lake area. “Marshall Security immediately dispatched armed response officers to the location. Upon arrival, our officers confirmed the presence of a male victim who appeared to have been beaten to death. A replica firearm was found lying next to the body,” Powell said. He said Greenwood Park SAPS shortly arrived on the scene and took over the investigation. “At this time, the identity of the victim and the circumstances leading to the death remain unclear. Further details will be released as the investigation progresses,” Powell said. “Marshall Security extends its condolences to the family of the victim and reaffirms its commitment to community safety. We encourage all residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement or local security services.”
It seems the man who was murdered, had been so in an attempted robbery. He was being threatened with a fake firearm. It seems the perpetrator of the murder was desperate and had resorted to brute force when he was unable to extort any money or valuables from the victim. The fact that this happened late at night when the young victim was leaving a party shows that travel at night is never safe and should be done in groups and around public places. The police are investigating the manner and circumstances of the death and should be able to review footage from cameras in the area if there are any. Murder can leave a bloody trail if the police know where to look. It is good that the police were able to receive a report on the body through a social media app as it shows how far technology has come.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo confirmed the incident. “Police in Greenwood Park are investigating a case of murder following an incident in which a 39-year-old man was allegedly found on the side of the road at Kenville on October 3. He had multiple injuries and was declared dead on the scene,” Ngcobo said. Meanwhile, in an unrelated incident, last month a 28-year-old man was found lying in a pool of blood on the side of the road in Waterloo, Verulam. The deceased was last seen partying with friends the previous night and was discovered dead the following morning. At the time of the incident, Ngcobo confirmed that the police in Verulam were investigating a murder case.
Murder reeks of desperation in some cases. Who ever committed these crimes must have been rather ruthless in that regard? The police and the local authorities need to have surveillance cameras placed on all isolated roads. It should be shocking that adults should venture out after dark when the night is at its most dangerous. That is the time when criminals avail themselves of the abundant opportunity to quench their thirst for havoc. Going out to a late-night party is not the best thing to be doing in the world at this time. The risk of you falling victim to stalkers in a vulnerable state when coming home is very much an ample possibility. Of course, no one reading this would consider doing such a thing.
Meanwhile a 35-year-old woman from Johannesburg, who was visiting Durban has been found to have drowned at a beach to the south of the city. Her family is devastated by the loss. Janine Chetty’s body was located by local community members in Illovo Beach.
Dawn Gounden, from Renegades Search and Rescue, said Chetty had been visiting Durban from Gauteng. “They thanked all those involved in the search for her to help bring closure to the family.” Gouden said the family said that Chetty’s love for travel and her kind-hearted spirit will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy. KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said Amanzimtoti police are investigating an inquest docket following an incident in which a woman was found dead on 21 September 2024 on Illovu beach in Amanzimtoti. “The circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated.”
Swimming out in a rough sae can be quit as dangerous. That is why we have life guards on the beaches. However, if there was foul play involved in Chetty’s death then this should be investigated. However, it does seem likely from this that she died of drowning. This is no less tragic. The risk of holiday makers who come to Durban for fun need to be weary about swimming in the city’s remote beaches. Although this is a beautiful area and environment the risk of pollution is also heavy in the sea water and the sea surface can prove to be rough. In the mean time both residents and holiday makers should stay safe. Travel at night in populated areas if you have too.
Article written by:
Yacoob Cassim
Journalist at Radio Al Ansaar
