Police Smith was allegedly last seen driving a Toyota Hilux with registration TVT 741 GP and is suspected to be around Blinkpan, eMalahleni and Middelburg.
Smith was going through a divorce and had no place to stay. Mr Jan Potgieter (80) offered Smith a place to stay in Springs.
They had an argument on June 19 while they were allegedly drinking liquor together.
The suspect sent an SMS to his 17-year-old boy saying that he misses him.
The boy went to visit Smith. On his arrival at Potgieter’s home he heard a noise and then the home was silent.
The teenager saw Potgieter lying on the ground bleeding. Potgieter had been struck with a spade, his head exposed a gaping wound.
Smith allegedly asked his son to help lift Potgieter’s body onto his bakkie to be buried at the dumping site. Smith then allegedly used the same spade to dig up Potgieter’s shallow grave.
Smith apparently returned to the crime scene, loaded his belongings and left.
Springs Police were notified by the teenager’s mother who noticed that the boy was restless. The police interviewed the boy who confessed what had happened.
If you have seen Smith, contact the nearest police station with any information regarding his whereabouts, or contact W/O Martin Themba Ngema on 083 395 4284.
