Kimberley - A massive search for a local man ended this weekend when his body was found just outside Kimberley with apparently close to 10 stab wounds.
The body of Gershwin Swartz was found in a piece of veld after police officers and members of Neighbourhood Watch and Wanya Tsotsi launched an intensive search on Friday, at the request of the victim’s family, after the 24-year-old disappeared without a trace on Monday last week.
While family members were hoping that he might be found alive, their worst fears were realised when Swartz’s body was found just outside the city, close to the shooting range, with multiple stab wounds.
One suspect has been arrested and is due to appear in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on Monday morning. It appears as if he was the person who took the police to the spot where the body was found.
Swartz, a Beaconsfield resident, was last seen alive a week ago in Galeshewe, when he was on his way to Bloemanda with a group of friends in his VW Polo V.
His vehicle was eventually found at a house in Looney Street in New Park on Thursday afternoon. His body was found about 24 hours later.
Police spokesman, Captain Olebogeng Tawana, on Sunday confirmed that the Kimberley police have arrested a 23-year-old suspect in connection with the incident. He will be charged with murder and kidnapping.
“Swartz apparently left his parents’ house on Monday, July 11, at about 7.30pm and never returned home,” Tawana said. “On Wednesday he was reported as missing at the Kimberley police station.”
Tawana added that police immediately launched a search operation and they found Swartz’s blue Polo parked at a house in New Park.
“The police established that the house where the vehicle was found was the residence of the girlfriend of the suspect,” Tawana added.
“Further investigation led the police to Galeshewe, where the suspect was arrested.
“Subsequent to his arrest, the suspect took the police to a spot near the shooting range where the victim’s body was found.”
According to AfriForum’s Neighbourhood Watch, the family of the deceased approached them for assistance in finding Swartz.
“Gershwin’s father requested us to assist in finding his son because they were optimistic that he was still alive,” a spokesperson for the organisation said.
“They were absolutely devastated when his remains were found and are still struggling to come to terms with their loss, especially because he left behind a young child.
“This is a sensitive matter and we cannot divulge too much detail because of the ongoing investigation.”
The suspect is due to appear in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
“We request any person with information regarding the incident to contact the investigating officer, Desmond Markgraaff, on 082 3020 407 or 053 838 4208,” Tawana added.
Diamond Fields Advertiser