Update 30 January: The search for missing local man Tom Benecke (65), brother of a well-known Randfontein SAPS Warrant Officer Lukas Benecke has come to an end after he was found dead in an underground cave in Pelzvale this morning at 4am.
This comes after an intensive investigation into the case which led to the arrest of three suspects who are believed to be connected to his murder.
The suspects were found in possession of some of Benecke’s belongings.
Benecke went missing on the afternoon of 24 January.
His car was discovered at the Bekkersdal taxi rank and police found traces of blood in the car.
According to Randfontein SAPS spokesperson Captain Appel Ernst police officers together with other stakeholders intensified their search throughout the evening of 29 February and made the shocking discovery early in the morning.
“The investigating team under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Gert Kruger continued with their search throughout the night and were able to identify the area where the suspects had allegedly dumped the body of Benecke,” says Ernst.
The suspects are expected to appear at the Randfontein Magistrates’ Court on 31 January.
Meanwhile, management and staff members of the Randfontein SAPS convey their condolences to the deceased’s family.
“The Beneke family is in our prayers during this difficult time,”says Ernst.
Update: 28 January: The search for Randfontein resident, Tom Benecke (65) is still on and police as well as members of the community are literally leaving no stone unturned.
Benecke went missing on 25 January and the only sign of him since, was the recovery of his car at a Bekkersdal taxi rank.
According to Randfontein SAPS spokesperson, Captain Appel Ernst, police officers found traces of blood in the backseat, which elevated the case from a missing person to one of kidnapping.
The Benecke family has since rented a helicopter to assist in the search.
Anyone who may have any information on the whereabouts of Benecke is urged to contact Warrant officer Lukas Benecke on 082 412 8696.
27 January: Tom Benecke (65), brother of well-known Randfontein police officer, Warrant Officer Lukas Benecke, went missing on the afternoon of Friday 24 January.
According to Randfontein SAPS spokesperson, Captain Appel Ernst, Benecke’s domestic worker called his brother on Saturday 25 January to say that his brother had not returned home at all.
“Benecke’s silver Mercedes was found in Bekkersdal at a taxi rank in Dlamini Street on Sunday,” says Ernst.
“The car was abandoned.
Ernst says that a search of the car revealed blood stains on the back seat of the vehicle.
“Police as well as some members of the public have been following up every possible lead since.”
Police do not have a description of the clothes that Benecke wore at the time of his dissapearance, but he is known to wear dark trousers, usually Chino’s or corduroy with golf shirts and a cap.
A helicopter has since been hired by the Benecke family to help with the search.
“We urge anyone with any information about Benecke’s whereabouts to contact the Randfontein SAPS at 011 278 8100 or Warrant Officer Lukas Benecke at 082 412 8696.”
