Murder victim identified as missing person
The cause of death of the man could not be confirmed when going to print and an inquest case was opened for further investigation
A case of inquest turned into murder after the missing 26-year-old Nkosinathi Lawrence Ndhlovu aka ‘Ice boy’ was identified as the body that was found in Main Street during October 2019.
WITBANK NEWS reported on the inquest case that was opened after an alleged shootout that took place in the Central Business District (CBD).
“On October 17 the hysterical complainant phoned the SAPS to report a ‘murder’.The police rushed to the scene and found a body lying in Main Street. On further investigation it was alleged that the deceased was being chased by a white Ford Focus and a Toyota Quantum moments before he dropped down in the middle of the street,” the article stated.
Further on a bystander on the scene alleged that shots were fired but there were no gunshot wounds found on the deceased on the first inspection at the scene.
The cause of death of the man could not be confirmed when going to print and an inquest case was opened for further investigation.
It came to light after a post mortem was conducted on the victim that a single gunshot wound was found under the left arm inside the armpit from a small-caliber weapon which explained why on the scene no wound or blood was found.
In November 2019 WITBANK NEWS further reported on a missing resident from Coronation, the 26-year-old Nkosinathi Lawrence and placed a photo of the missing person with the article and contact details of the investigating officer as well as the South African Community Crime Watch missing persons division who was assisting on the case.
It was shortly after the article was published that the family of Nkosinathi made contact with Maureen Scheepers from SACCW requesting details of the missing person’s case as they were not aware that he was missing.
A friend of Nkosinathi had opened the case as Nkosinathi had been residing with him and not with his family.
Scheepers requested the family to meet the investigating officer at Witbank Police Station.
On arrival standard protocols were followed with the investigating officer and Nkosinathi’s body was identified to be that of the unidentified gunshot victim of Main Street.
The Witbank SAPS is calling on the assistance of the public for any information regarding the shooting that took place in October last year to come forward.
If anyone has any information with regards to this incident to please contact the investigating officer, Constable Goodwill Zitha on 078 594 2783 or the crime stop number 08600 10 111.
“We just want to make the community aware of the procedure of a missing person. First of all, there is no time limit attached to a person who went or is missing, no matter what the situation might be. If one of your family members, friends or next of kin is missing, immediately report it to the police. The first 24 hours are the most critical time of the disappearance and that’s when the police can use all their resources thoroughly to locate that person. The community members should never think they are bothering the police with matters like these as it is our job to serve our community,” Witbank Police spokesperson, Cpt Eddie Hall concluded.
