Almost a year later, after the gruesome death of their loved one, the Gumede family still have no answers about who was responsible.

Ntsako Gumede (37) from Arnot was found dead in a ditch 10km outside of Hendrina and was later identified by his family. The incident occurred last October.

His sister, Hlengiwe, told the Middelburg Observer that Ntsako’s post-mortem results showed he had been strangled to death.

According to her, even getting the post-mortem results was a hassle.

She said on the day her brother was last seen alive, he was travelling to Hendrina with a group of people.

No arrests have been made in connection with Ntsako’s murder so far.

Hlengiwe indicated her frustration and disappointment with how the case is being handled, and indicated that even the investigating officer is allegedly no longer taking her calls.

She said they have not received any updates from the police, and the murderer remains at large.

The last time she spoke to the police was when they called her to ask what had happened to her brother. She told them what had transpired and spoke about the people her brother was last seen with.

Ntsako was known in Arnot for being a helpful person in the community and usually helped residents with odd jobs and handyman work. At the time of his death, he was unemployed; however, he was previously employed in the mining sector.

She said she hopes the police will do their job and follow all the leads the family are giving them, as she feels they are not doing enough to investigate who is responsible for her brother’s death.

The Observer contacted the SAPS for comment, to confirm if the investigation is still ongoing, to ask why they stopped giving the family updates, and if any arrests have been made.

According to Sergeant Thuli Magagula from the SAPS, the case is still under investigation, and all information that came to light was followed up on. The police will continue to follow all the leads they receive until the case is closed. She further added that the family has been given regular feedback through Hlengiwe.

Hlengiwe said her brother’s death remains difficult for the family, who are still struggling to accept his passing and are left with more questions than answers.
She said Ntsako was a loving brother, who was reliable, caring and outgoing.