THE body of missing Phoenix man, Gregory Papiah, 58, was discovered in a bin - burnt and unrecognisable - days after he went missing.
Papiah, of Grove End, was reported missing by his family on August 25. His car, a white Hyundai i10, was recovered by police in Amaoti three days later.
According to sources close to the investigation, medical reports confirmed that the burnt body was that of Papiah.
“Due to the ongoing murder investigation and not wanting to jeopardise the case until arrests are made, we will remain tight-lipped about the circumstances surrounding his death,” said the source.
“At this stage we will not be able to shed light on exactly where his body was found. We also cannot yet disclose the cause of death. More than one person was responsible for his death and we hope police make arrests soon,” the source added.
Prem Balram, spokesperson for Reaction Unit South Africa, said Papiah was last seen leaving home on August 25.
“He messaged his son on Sunday afternoon informing him that he was attending a braai and would return the following day. His family received WhatsApp messages from his number until Tuesday.
“According to his daughter, the context of the messages were unusual and unlike the way their father usually chatted. His cellphone was thereafter switched off. On the afternoon of August 27, his cellphone was switched on and was answered by a female. She stated that she was from Empangeni. The woman ended the call and the phone was once again switched off,” Balram said.
Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo, spokesperson for the KZN police, said Inanda SAPS were investigating a case of murder. He said the body of a man was found burnt beyond recognition at Amaoti.
Papiah’s family declined to comment as the investigation was ongoing.