The Pheka family is still coming to terms with the brutal, execution-style murder of their loved one, whose body was discovered on Monday (March 23).

Paul Pheka, 62, was found in a field along a dirt road just outside Dennesig, near the weighbridge next to the N11. His hands and feet had been tied behind his back, and he had been shot four times.

His son, Tseliso, a constable stationed with the Kinross police, said the family became concerned when his father failed to return home after leaving on the morning of March 22 at around 09:00, saying he was going to meet someone at the mall.

“When he did not return by Monday (March 23), my mother called me and said my father was not home,” he said. Tseliso then asked his brother, Stefan, to check the pinpoints on the vehicle tracker while he drove from Kinross to Middelburg.

His brother noticed that the vehicle had moved between different locations, but at one point remained stationary in Avalon.

Tseliso went to the area and found the vehicle. “My father was not there, but the vehicle had blood on the back seat. That is when we became suspicious and opened a missing person case.”

Further tracking data showed that the vehicle had been in the Dennesig area more than once. Family members, friends and colleagues from his father’s security firm then began searching the area.

“We eventually found him lying in the field, handcuffed. He was murdered,” said Tseliso. His father’s hands were cuffed behind his back and his feet tied together with wire.

He immediately contacted Middelburg Police via 10111. His father’s cellphone and identity document are still missing.

Tseliso said the family has no idea why anyone would carry out such a violent attack and is unaware of any threats made against his father, “He was a good person and helped many people. I don’t know what the motive behind the murder could be. We do not have any leads at this stage.”

Middelburg SAPS is currently investigating the case.

According to the family, Paul had been involved in the security industry for many years and founded Mophothome Youth Security Services CC in Middelburg about 10 years ago. He worked at different security firms, including Hawk Security, and also served as a supervisor at a security company that did the contract at Middelburg Provincial Hospital years ago.

“He was a great leader and a disciplined man. He supported his family and was well known in the community. A lot of people knew him,” his son said.

Paul is survived by his wife, Emely Mothepa, and four children, Tseliso Ernest, Stefan Makhanna, Manthole Ester, and Motshidisi Pretty Pheko.

The funeral service will take place tomorrow morning at 07:30 in Extension 8, Mhluzi, Stand 11757. Mourners will proceed to Rondebosch Cemetery for the burial at 09:00.

• The police confirmed that three 9mm cartridges were found not far from the body.
• They urge anyone with information that may assist in locating the suspect(s) to contact Detective Warrant Officer Aubrey Mabena on 082 770 5861 or call the crime stop number on 08600 10111 or by using the MYSAPSAPP to report anonymously.