The discovery of a 78-year-old man’s body inside his Farrarmere home has left friends and neighbours with more questions than answers.

Benoni Police Station’s Vispol commander, Colonel Sinothi Ndaba, confirmed that an inquest docket has been opened and the matter is currently under investigation.

“The cause of death has not yet been determined, and due to the lack of witness statements, it is not clear how long the victim had been dead or whether a crime was committed,” he said.

Long-time friends of the deceased have voiced their shock, saying that his sudden death, as well as his vehicle (a white Nissan NP200), being missing, is raising concern.

According to information, the man’s caregiver returned to the Main Road home on the evening of April 29, but was unable to gain access to the property.

Calls to the man’s phone went unanswered, and the woman noticed his vehicle was not parked in its usual position.

Concerned, she then made contact with his daughter, who currently resides in the Netherlands, and a wellness check was requested from the Benoni SAPS.

“He was a well-loved member of the Farrarmere community. We always knew when he was out and about if we spotted his bakkie, with an orange piece of material attached to the aerial, which he said made it easier to identify in busy parking areas,” said a friend, who wished to remain anonymous.

“We are devastated by his death. We want to know what happened to our friend.”

Anyone with information which could assist the police investigation is urged to use the MySAPS app or call CrimeStop on 08600 10111.

Information will be handled with strict confidentiality.

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