Ernest’s body was found in Mpumalanga today (June 23).
About 50 people arrived at the Bayley Street supermarket at around 7pm, and lit candles and prayed for the businessman.
Others brought flowers which they placed outside the shop.
“We were friends since I was 14 years old,” said Nicola Morgan-Evens.
“We schooled together at Willowmoore High School; he was the kindest man I knew.”
Veronica Dyson, who is a ward councillor in Brakpan, did her shopping at Sardinha’s store for 15 years.
“It did not matter who walked into the store, they were greeted with a smile,” she said.
“He took the time to get to know my family and me.”
Sardinha was even remembered by his neighbours who he grew up with in Kemston Avenue.
“We knew him for 30-odd years, he was a friendly man,” Maria Marques said.
He even made an impact on the family of his friends.
“I knew him because my uncle knew him,” said 13-year-old Celine van Coller.
“He was a special man.”
Benoni SAPS spokesperson Capt Nomsa Sekele said the cause of Ernest’s death is unknown at this stage.
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