Middelburg businessman’s death now a murder investigation
Anyone with information which could assist in the investigation are urged to contact Bolhuis’ team.
Business partners of Middelburg businessman Johan Cowan (49) have enlisted the services of Mike Bolhuis’ Specialised Security Services (SSS) team to investigate his murder.
The case was originally registered as an inquest docket at the Benoni Police Station but was later converted to a charge of murder.
The body of the director of Genet Mineral Processing was found in his idling white double cab Toyota GR Hilux bakkie at the Snake Road off-ramp at 03:00 on June 16 by members of the Benoni SAPS sector policing while on routine patrol.
Captain Nomsa Sekele, Benoni Police SAPS spokesperson, said members found the vehicle on the shoulder of the road with the rear passenger door open.
“The driver was found dead in the driver’s seat with gunshot wounds to the upper body.”
It is alleged that Cowan was called out to one of the group’s new mines in Vanderbijlpark on June 15.
At the time, his wife, Lunilda, told the Benoni City Time’s sister publication the Middelburg Odserver that they were in contact throughout the day however all communication stopped later that evening.
Employees of the mine were also unable to reach him telephonically.
“While at the scene, the victim’s phone started ringing and the investigating officer of the Benoni Detective Branch answered,” said Sekele.
“Information regarding the discovery of the victim’s body was relayed to the caller, one of the victim’s colleagues.”
The victim’s laptop, cellphone and personal firearm was found in the vehicle.
SSS technical investigator in the cyber division, Wesley Vos and his team of specialist investigators are appealing to motorists who may have travelled along the stretch of road in the early hours of June 16 as well as any routes from Vanderbijlpark and who may have seen anything suspicious to contact him.
Any dashcam footage which may assist the investigation, which is being conducted along with the SAPS is also welcome.
Contact Vos on 060 899 9938.
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