Malvern missing man’s body found in Richard’s Bay
The deceased's neighbour was among the three suspects arrested for his murder. The three men were also found in possession of the victim's items.
THE body of 73-year-old Ken Price, who was reported missing at Malvern police station, last year, December, was recovered at a mortuary in Richard’s Bay.
According to KZN police spokesperson, Lt/Col Nqobile Gwala, Price resided alone in Oliver Leese Road in Malvern.
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“It was reported that Price was last seen on 17 November 2021. The Malvern detectives proceeded to the victim’s place of residence, and on arrival, they noticed blood stains, but the victim was nowhere to be seen,” said Gwala.
Police also realised that some of Price’s belongings, including two bikes, a DVD player, tools and other items were stolen.
On May 12, police received information that a neighbour was advertising motorbikes belonging to Price for sale.
Police proceeded to the neighbour’s house, searched the premises and found items belonging to the victim.
“The neighbour led the police to Savannah Park and Chatsworth where two other suspects were arrested. They were also found in possession of the victim’s belongings.
“They claimed to not know the whereabouts of the victim when they were questioned. The suspects, aged 22 and 31, were arrested and charged for possession of stolen property,” reported Gwala.
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They appeared in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on May 16 and were remanded in custody until May 20 for bail application.
The investigation by Malvern detectives led to the recovery of Price’s body in Richard’s Bay mortuary on Thursday, May 19.
Gwala said it is alleged that the victim was at his place of residence when he was attacked by the suspects who assaulted him with a hammer on the body and head.
“The suspects covered his body with a plastic and drove to Richard’s Bay where they dumped him in the dense bush. The decomposed body was recovered on 7 December 2021 at Maguzulu area in Empangeni,” said the police spokesperson.
A case of murder was opened at Malvern police station for investigation, and the suspects were also charged for murder.
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