The giant of a man, weighing 140 kilograms and 2.05 metres tall, is estimated to be between the ages of 25 and 35. While authorities already contracted a service provider to enter the body as a pauper, the investigation into his identity continues. Distinctive tattoos on the man’s body, including a portrait of three young children, a colour St Michael tattoo, a tiger on his right upper arm and two demons, have thus far not rendered any positive results in identifying the man. His fingerprints are nowhere on record in South Africa and border posts have all confirmed that no record of him crossing through into the country exists. The blonde man has a muscly build and police suspect that more than one person was responsible for binding the victim, killing him and transporting the body. Police further suspect either gang or drug involvement in relation to some of the tattoos like that of St Michael, a Roman Catholic Saint, known as the commander of the army of God. St Michael is also viewed as the angel of death often depicted holding scales, referring to judgement after death. The tiger tattoo, according to police, is widely considered a gang mark.

The intricate details of the tattoos have spurred investigators to believe that the deceased may be from Russian or Eastern European descent. He was executed with a high calibre weapon. Articles published by www.mobserver.co.za online has thus far rendered no results in identifying the victim. According to a reliable source close to the investigation, the body would have been interred last week, but the available coffin was too small for the man’s stature. A coffin had to be specially ordered and made with the undertaker awaiting the delivery.

The active investigation, according to the source, will also be shelved but will go on review periodically. Www.mobserver.co.za has reached out to international media to try and find anyone with information that can lead to the man’s identification. Anyone with information should contact their nearest police station. Informants will be kept anonymous.       * Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news Dear reader, As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19. Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za). Do you have a news lead? Contact our editorial office on 013 243 1434 or our standby number for emergencies on 072 248 3855 to share your story with us. Follow us on the Middelburg Observer Facebook group or page or send a whatsapp to 072 248 3855 with the words “add me” for the latest news.