A 26-year-old security guard, who was the suspect in two murders after police discovered the body of his father while investigating another murder, was shot dead by police in Vryheid on Saturday.

Earlier this month, Patrick Sibiya guarded drone operator Navindrin Pillay at the Paddafontein railway in Paulpietersburg and when the duo didn’t report for their shift change, the manager of the security company Sibiya worked for, enquired about their location.

It was later discovered that Pillay was murdered and investigations led to Sibiya’s home. Traces of blood were found at the door, and Sibiya’s father’s body was found rolled up in a blanket in the back of a bakkie. It is believed that Sibiya and his father had a disagreement that led to the murder.

Investigations continued and on Friday afternoon last week, police were informed of Sibiya’s whereabouts in Edelpark, Vryheid. Police responded and called for backup as they searched the area between the Road Traffic Inspectorate offices and the Engen Junction.

The search continued the next morning and Sibiya was spotted running across the bypass into an open field on a local farm. Shots were fired and Sibiya sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the abdomen. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

Police found a 9mm pistol and .38 special revolver in his possession.

Sibiya was a suspect in several cases: Two murders, an attempted murder, and the possession of a stolen firearm in Vryheid and Paulpietersburg.