The body of a missing Esenembe, KZN, pensioner, understood to be Russell Cromhout (69), was found in a sugarcane field in Waterfall in Upper Tongaat last night.

Cromhout was reported missing at Umhlali SAPS on Wednesday after family members were unable to reach him.

His home was later found ransacked and his car missing.

“Cases of housebreaking and theft, as well as a missing person docket, were opened,” says provincial SAPS spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda.

The Umhlali Serious and Violent Crime Unit took over the investigations, and a suspect was arrested at a grocery store in Upper Tongaat yesterday, he adds.

“He was found in possession of a firearm and ammunition belonging to the man who was reported missing.”

Further investigations led police to a second suspect in possession of Cromhout’s car and other household items which were allegedly stolen during the house robbery.

“Shrewd investigations by police led the team to a sugarcane farm in the Waterfall area where the body of the 69-year-old man was recovered,” says Netshiunda.

“The suspects were duly charged with murder, housebreaking and theft, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, as well as the possession of suspected stolen property.”

Both suspects were later found to be out on parole and will appear in court tomorrow.