The community of Barberton is reeling with shock following the brutal murder of one of its most well-known residents, Edwin (Ned) Sturgeon (86).

On Friday morning (October 22) flowers were displayed on the gate of the house in Sheba Road where Sturgeon had lived, placed there by town residents as a tribute. Two Barberton daisies were placed in some of the bouquets.

Sturgeon was described by various residents as a true champion for Barberton who always wanted the best for the town.

Magda Prinsloo, the owner of Victoria Tea Garden, told Lowvelder that she had known Sturgeon for many years.

“He was a very precise person; things had to be done correctly. But he was never unreasonable. In my eyes he was the perfect gentleman. He was a wise old man.”

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Wendy du Preez, a sales representative at Sturgeon’s Paint, a store that was originally founded by Sturgeon in 1945, said she had known him since she was a little girl.

She said she had seen Sturgeon on Monday when they spoke about the store’s history.

“Uncle Ned has been a resident of Barberton for many years and everybody knew him. If you ask anyone in town they could tell you something about him. One could always ask him for advice.”

Du Preez said he was an icon in town. “It is very sad that he’s gone.”

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Others described him as someone who really fought to keep Barberton on the map, someone who was passionate to keep the town as alive and well as possible.

Col Donald Mdhluli, a spokesperson for the police, said investigations are under way. A preliminary probe has shown that he was hacked to death.

“Further details will be revealed by the investigation that is being conducted.”

Mdhluli confirmed that a panga had been found on the scene.

Sturgeon’s body had been found by his domestic worker when she arrived for work on Wednesday morning (October 20).