A father, brother and beloved Arnot resident, Ntsako Gumede (37), has left a void in the hearts of many.

He sadly passed away earlier this week.

His body was found in a ditch near the Arnot/Hendrina road, 10km outside Hendrina on Tuesday.

His sister, Hlengiwe, said Ntsako had told her on Monday that he was going to Hendrina with his friend.

She grew worrisome when he didn’t return home on Tuesday evening, “ It was unlike him not to call or come back home.”

Hlengiwe then went to the police station.

After describing her brother to the police, they said her description of her brother fit that of a man who was found near a ditch on

the Hendrina road, “Honestly speaking, the news of his death has not sunk in. I never thought he would die,” she said emotionally.

When Ntseko’s body was found, it didn’t have any visible markings.

A post-mortem examination will be conducted on his body today, which will determine the cause of his death.

The family said, at this point, they don’t know how he passed away.

A loving father and brother

Ntsako was known in Arnot for being a helpful person in the community and usually helped residents with handy work.

At the time of his death, he was unemployed, however, he was previously employed in the mining sector.

Hlengiwe described him as a loving brother who was reliable and outgoing.

He is survived by his three siblings and father. He also leaves behind his young children, Rhandzu (7) and Musa (14).

The family will lay him to rest this Saturday in Arnot.

• An inquest docket has been opened with the police, and the matter is under investigation.

ALSO READ: Deceased male found in Hendrina

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