POLOKWANE – The local police are investigating the murder of Pikkie Nel, a well-known and respected former bodybuilder and retired car-dealership workshop manager.
Nel was found dead in the Sand River stream close to Ladanna just 200 m from his home by a passerby on Friday.
According to provincial police spokesperson, Col Ronél Otto, Nel was found face down in the water at around 19:30; his shirt missing and his hands were bound behind his back. Otto said Nel went fishing early Friday morning and last spoke to his wife, Joey, at around 10:00 to say he would be home later that afternoon.
“When he had not come home by 13:00, the family tried to phone him but his cell phone was on voicemail. They started looking for him but could not find him. Over seven hours later a man came across his body in the reeds and contacted the police,” Otto said.
“Nel was badly beaten and it looked like he had been tortured.”
She said Nel had been stabbed several times and had a deep wound to his left arm. Both his cell phone and pistol were missing.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Jeanette Nel, daughter of murdered resident Pikkie Nel describes the last few days
“My father was very fond of fishing and came across the stream around a week ago. He decided to go fishing there on Friday.”
Jeanette said that they believe a group of people must have attacked Nel as he was a very strong man and could hold his own.
“He taught us never to hurt anyone, and this is how he died,” she said.
The family pleaded with anyone with information to report to the nearest police station.
According to Otto, an autopsy would reveal the cause of death. She urged residents to stay in groups for their own safety.
Nel was married to Joey for 52 years. Joey was a debt controller at Northern Media Group for eight years.
He was crowned Mr South Africa in 1970 and participated against Arnold Schwarzenegger in the Mr Universe contest in 1972.
Nel leaves behind his wife and daughter. Funeral arrangements were not available at the time of going to print.
