Evidence shows the brutality of Ned Sturgeon’s murder
The police have said that preliminary evidence shows he was hacked to death.
Following the murder of Edwin Sturgeon (86) in his Barberton home on Tuesday evening, police have said preliminary evidence shows the victim was hacked to death with a panga.
Sturgeon’s body was found by his domestic worker when she arrived for work on Wednesday morning.
Lowvelder previously reported that Sturgeon had been strangled, but new information has come to light in the meantime.
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Col Donald Mdhluli, the police spokesperson, said an investigation is underway. Forensic tests will be conducted.
“The preliminary probe thus far shows that he was hacked to death, but further details will be revealed by the investigation that is being conducted.”
He said cases of murder and robbery are being investigated, but no arrests have been made yet.
Sturgeon was fondly known as Ned. His murder has evoked responses from all over. Cllr Philip Minnaar, was one person who came forward with a tribute.
“It is with great sadness and dismay that the DA Umjindi has learned of the brutal and unwarranted murder of one of Barberton’s most-loved and respected citizens.
“Barberton has lost a man who has, through the decades, left an indelible mark on the development of our town. Edwin ran Sturgeon’s Hardware for many decades with his brother and retired a number of years ago.
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“During his working years he was at the helm of the Barberton Chamber of Commerce, later to become the Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, which played a huge role in the development of the town.
“He was famous for his well-written and insightful letters published in the media, where he was always a campaigner for the wellbeing of our town and its people,” said Minnaar.
Less than a month ago an open letter he penned regarding the future management of the Barberton/Makhonjwa Mountains’ geological site was published in Lowvelder.
This past weekend, he still proudly stood and watched the 50th anniversary parade of the SA Irish Pipes and Drums in Barberton, in honour of our military history.
Minnaar continued saying that, even in his retirement, Sturgeon always continued to put Barberton first and remained involved in the advancement of economic activities in the area.
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“Edwin loved this town, and even after a move to Cape Town for a few years, never gave up his home and spent most of his time here.
“His contribution to the community of our town is acknowledged by the DA and he will be remembered for his tireless efforts and love for Barberton.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to his sons George and Tony, his wife Marianne, and grandsons who reside in England, and all the many friends and family affected by this sad loss.”
According to his son, George, he and his brother, Tony, his two grandsons, friends, the Barberton community and South Africa have lost a great patriot.
“Ned dedicated his life to doing the right thing and was fearless in doing it!” he said.
A dear friend, who had known him for many years, referred to him as a “mensch”.
“In Yiddish, it is a person of integrity, morality and dignity with a deep sense of what is right and responsible. As you always remembered those who had gone before, so will we remember you,” she said. The family said there was no better way to describe him.
