Police investigate death of Laudium man next to pedestrian bridge
Police are on the lookout for suspects in the murder of a man in Laudium.
Police are investigating the brutal murder of a man found dead in Pierre van Ryneveld Road next to a pedestrian bridge in Laudium.
The body was found by a member of the Laudium CPF on Thursday, May 9, as authorities responded to what initially appeared to be a hit-and-run accident.
Director of PAJ community patrollers, Councillor Prajay Ramjee, said emergency services were called immediately after the body had been found.
He said the victim, whose identity has been confirmed as Cassim Chipembere from Masjid Ul Haqq, was found face down in a pool of blood under his chest, while his foot was partially on the road.
Image: Facebook
Ramjee said there were no tyre skid marks or car part debris around.
“When Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) ambulance paramedics arrived, they conducted a primary inspection of the body and discovered a puncture wound through the victim’s ribs, just under his left armpit,” he said.
Ramjee said the police, CPF, Laudium Disaster Management (LDM), crime wardens, and community patrollers searched the area and found blood on the bridge linking Garnet Street to Military Road.
He said it appeared the victim had tussled with his attacker(s) and was stabbed.
He added they believed that after the incident, the victim made his way across Military Road before collapsing, and thereafter, a car drove over his ankle.
“It is speculated that he had already passed away when the vehicle hit him because there was no bruising on the ankle.”
Image: Facebook
He added that only an autopsy, a witness, or the driver of the vehicle will be able to provide more information.
Upon learning of the victim’s identity, Ramjee said he contacted the Institute of Islamic Services (IIS), which confirmed that the victim was Cassim Chipembere from Masjid Ul Haqq.
“Our thoughts go out to his family and friends, as well as everyone at Masjid Ul Haqq and the Institute of Islamic Services,” he said.
Ramjee said security services have responded to several incidents close to Military Road.
“The incidents include a home invasion on Garnet Street, a robbery in Agra East involving a silver VW Polo, and the murder on the overpass bridge.”
He added there have been numerous robberies in the area close to the First Avenue bridge as well.
Warrant Officer Johan van Dyk said police are still investigating the murder and are following up all leads.
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