The son of 64-year-old nurse Morudi Frank Phetla, who was discovered dead with head injuries under the Mabintana bridge in Jane Furse on Tuesday, is currently in hospital after fainting upon hearing the tragic news of his father’s death.
The family is devastated by the loss, especially Phetla’s wife and four sons.
The third son, upon hearing of his father’s death, fainted and was rushed to the Jane Furse Hospital.
“The death of his father did not sit well with him, actually all of us in the family. He is still currently in a hospital after fainting,” said Phetla’s brother, 62-year-old Joseph Phetla.
Joseph described his brother as a person who loved “peace at all times.”
Phetla was kidnapped last Saturday, March 16, around 7pm, just as he was about to enter his yard in Zamane Section, in Jane Furse.
Limpopo police said his vehicle was found idling, with headlights still on, but he was nowhere to be seen.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Thakeng said Phetla’s body was found with head injuries at about 6.30am on Monday by a shepherd under Mabintana bridge in Jane Furse.
Joseph told IOL News that residents guided them to the site after seeing a social media post with pictures of a man under the bridge.
“People posted on social media that there was a man under the bridge who looked like he was already dead. They told us to try to go there and see if it was Phetla or not,” Joseph said.
As the family prepared to go to the bridge, a passerby called the police, who then summoned forensic pathologists to the scene.
The body was then taken to St Ritas Hospital, Glen Cowie.
Joseph said the family headed to the hospital and upon arrival, they inquired if a forensic vehicle had recently arrived.
He said they were allowed to enter the hospital, where they identified the body as Phetla’s.
The forensic pathologist told the family that Phetla’s clothes and shoes were missing.
“We are deeply hurt by what happened to our brother. We are asking ourselves how a person could do such a cruel thing like that…,” Joseph said.
He added that Phetla, who was set to retire in December, was a peaceful and caring man who avoided conflicts and valued giving and receiving advice.
He expressed hope that the police would find the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
The family plans to bury Phetla on Saturday, March 29.
Lt Colonel Stephen Thakeng confirmed that the police are investigating a case of kidnapping and murder.
He said the motive of the killing is currently unknown.
“Anyone with information leading to the arrest of the suspects, Detective Sergeant Vusimuzi Mohlala of Jane Furse Detective Services can be contacted at cellphone number 082 479 2828 or Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or MySAPS App anonymously,” Thakeng said.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
IOL News
