A HEARTBREAKING scene unfolded on Monday this week when the family of an Ifafa man were seen removing furniture from his rented farm cottage following his murder on Friday last week.
The close-knit Ifafa and Bazley communities have been left in shock at the murder of 70-year-old Mark Blaine on what, according to a Facebook post by his sister, was the day before his 71st birthday.
Mr Blaine was found in his kitchen, face-down with his hands tied behind his back with electrical cord early on Saturday morning by his landlord, Wolfgang Wagner.
The gate to the property was found to be open.
The former Sezela Mill employee and avid fisherman is said to have lived alone on the property with his three dogs, which are now in the care of a neighbour.
ORIGINAL STORY: Farm murder shocks coast
The house had been ransacked and a cell phone, pellet gun, computer screen and keyboard were missing.
According to the neighbour Mr Wagner and Mr Blaine were close friends and Mr Wagner has been left very shaken at the discovery of his friend’s body.
The neighbour described the scene as ‘unimaginable’, adding that he had help clean up before the family arrived.
Mr Blaine has been described as an upstanding and long-time member of the community who had tragically also lost his own father in a farm-related murder.
The neighbour said that friends who had tried unsuccessfully to contact Mr Blaine to wish him well for his birthday raised the alarm.
According to Margate Saps communications officer, Sibu Ncane, no arrests have been made. A case of murder has been registered for investigation at the Hibberdene Saps police station.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Hibberdene Saps at 039-6999800.
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
