Johannesburg - The body of a prominent Joburg businessman was found dumped in an open field in Soweto in the early hours of Thursday.
Jeffery Mark Wiggill, chairman of the First Tech Group, was discovered by police face down and with gunshot wounds to the head.
The discovery was made on the side of Randfontein Road, R559, in Protea Glen. His black Bentley was parked alongside his body.
“The unit was patrolling when they saw a car parked on the side of the road,” said Warrant Officer Kay Makhubela.
“When they investigated further, they discovered the dead body.”
A local street patroller, Mandla Siwela, who was patrolling the area as part of a community safety project, arrived on the scene around 1am.
He said that although police had already cordoned off the scene, he could still see the body.
“He was wearing a checked shirt, a sky-blue pullover and black pants and shoes,” said the 48-year-old Protea Glen resident.
According to Siwela, the open field where Wiggill was discovered is a popular hide-away spot for robbers.
“Sometimes when we patrol (the area), we encounter people being robbed, and whenever we chase the robbers, they run off into the field. Other times we find the stolen goods after we’ve chased them away.”
A case of murder and armed robbery is being investigated, the provincial police said on Thursday afternoon.
Andy Bertulis, chief executive of the First Tech Group, and his team extended their sympathy to Wiggill’s family.
“The company’s thoughts are with them during this difficult time,” said the group.
Wiggill was part of a number of construction, engineering and investment companies, including First Strut and Cosira South Africa. He also co-founded Crawford College Sandton.
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The Star