THE body of a well-known environmentalist, nature and bird lover of Van Riebeeck Park was discovered hidden in a cupboard in his Pretorius Street home on Saturday morning.
It is believed Dr Pieter van Eeden (54) was killed late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning last week.
An axe as well as a spent cartridge were found on the bloody scene.
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A close friend of Van Eeden, Nicole Barlow, has offered a R10 000 reward for any information that will lead to the conviction of the perpetrators.
The gruesome discovery was made by a close friend of Van Eeden after he [Van Eeden] did not show up for a church event at the Sewendedag Adventistekerk Rynfield, on early Saturday morning.
André Grové told Express on Tuesday: “I started to become uneasy when Pieter did not show up for a christening at the church on Friday evening. He did not respond to a WhatsApp I sent and when I called, his phone was off.
“As he often forgot his phone in his car, I left it at that but when he did not arrive on Saturday morning, I decided to go his house,” Grové said.
When Grové and a friend arrived, it was quiet with Van Eeden’s car outside. His friend jumped over the wall to investigate and found blood on the stoep. When they peeped through a window, they noticed the axe and decided to call the police.
Grové said he also notified COPS, who arrived on the scene in minutes. After getting permission from the control room, they broke into the locked house as there was no sign of a forced entry.
They found a lot of blood in the passage but there was no sign of Van Eeden.
“I noticed some buckets filled with cement and wooden poles in front of a bedroom cupboard. I opened the first door but the cupboard was empty.”
As he opened the second door, he discovered his friend’s body.
Norkem Park SAPS has launched investigations into the brutal murder.
Barlow said: “I cannot even begin to describe the gaping hole his loss will leave in my life and the everlasting effect it will have on me.
“Those who have made no contribution to our society stole the life of one of its greatest contributors. He was a relentless campaigner for environmental protection, a man of honour, compassion and outstanding character.
“This savage attack has robbed his family, friends and community of a very special man,” Barlow added.
Grové said he became close friends with Van Eeden over the past four years. “Pieter was very involved at our church and always stood for what was right.
“Children loved him and he always took us into nature to show us what it was all about.”
David Otto wrote on Facebook: “It’s a sad day indeed, for you who knew Dr Pieter van Eeden. He was found by members of his church community – murdered in his home on October 28.
“It’s bad enough, but when it touches you personally then it’s exponentially worse. Rest in peace, Pieter. Your loss to the environmental world is huge.”
No funeral arrangements had been finalised at the time of going to print.
Anyone with information should contact Norkem Park SAPS on 011 391 1814.
