The widespread search for a missing 52-year-old Pretoria man ended tragically when he was found dead on a KZN beach.

Pretoria Rekord reports that Duan Maartens had been missing since March 31 and was last seen in Silverton, east of Pretoria, before his vehicle was tracked to Port Shepstone in KZN.

According to police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk, Maartens was last seen leaving Aurina Ford in Silverton in a white Ford bakkie.

He says police are investigating an inquest docket after his body was found on a beach at the Ramsgate Ski Boat Club in Margate.

“The cause of the death is unknown and investigations continue.”

It is alleged that Maartens was seen at a local pub grabbing a bite.

Maartens’ best friend, Andries Joubert, says the family is reeling following the discovery.

Joubert says it is painful as the cause of death is still unknown.

“The police will be doing a post-mortem, which will answer all the questions about how he died and if he was abducted.”

He says the untimely death of his best friend is not easy, as the story has so many holes and they have so many unanswered questions.

“Duan has been my best friend for 22 years. I am sad about his passing… his family is hurt. We have seen his bakkie next to the beach, and the details are sketchy.”

Joubert says Maartens had no change of clothes with him and no luggage. He only had a toolbox, which he travelled with every day, and safety boots.

He says it is concerning how he ended up dead and how he just suddenly disappeared.

“This has raised more questions than answers… if it was an accident or something far worse.”

“We want nothing but the truth about what has happened to him.”

According to Missing Persons South Africa, Maartens’ body was discovered on Saturday morning. It had reportedly been in the water for about eight hours before it washed up on the beach.

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.