Lwandle police are investigating a case of murder after a young man was stabbed and set alight in Asanda Village on Friday morning (16 October).

According to a police spokesperson, members were called to the scene at 06:30 and on arrival found the body of the deceased still ablaze. The officers assisted in extinguishing the fire and discovered that the deceased had stab wounds to his upper body. He was declared dead by paramedics who also responded to the scene.

The deceased was initially unidentified, but preliminary investigation by police revealed that the deceased is a 35-year-old man and that he was involved in an incident around 03:00 in Celiwe Street, where he was allegedly assaulted, stabbed and placed in a wheelie bin before being dumped near the Asanda Village Wetland Park and opposite Christmas Tinto Primary School.

“The motive behind the apparent killing remains unknown at this stage,” said the police spokesperson.

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When DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette arrived on the scene smoke was seen billowing from the cordoned-off area, where a small crowd had gathered. School children were among passers-by who came across the scene.

Police urged anyone with additional information which may aid the murder investigation to call the investigating officer, Detective Warrant Officer Randall van Schalkwyk on 082 522 1953. Alternatively, call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

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