Burnt remains confirmed to be missing Gregory Papiah
Mystery surrounds the death of 58-year-old Phoenix father, Gregory Papiah, whose remains were found in a skip in the Amaoti, Inanda, area after he was reported missing on Sunday, 25 August.
Papiah’s burnt remains were discovered by members of the public a day after he went missing. Head of private security company, Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), Prem Balram, reported that Papiah, a resident of Bluegrove Place in Grove End, left his home in his vehicle, a white Hyundai i10, and could not be located.
“He messaged his son on Sunday afternoon, informing him that he attended a braai and would return the following day. His family received WhatsApp messages from his number until Tuesday, 27 August. According to his daughter, the context of the messages was unusual and unlike the way, Gregory usually chats. His cellphone was thereafter switched off,” said Balram.
He said on Tuesday afternoon, Papiah’s cellphone was switched on but was answered by a female. “She stated that she was from Empangeni and ended the call before switching off the cellphone. Gregory’s car was located abandoned in Amaoti by police,” added Balram.
Speaking to the Phoenix Tabloid, Nonhlanhla Gumede from Amaoti, said: “Early on Monday morning, I heard my neighbours talking about a body that was found not far from our house near Suzan Ngcobo Primary School. When we got there, we saw a burnt body inside the big rubbish bin near the school gate. The body was among the rubbish and dirt, we could not see the face only his back. Lots of people from the community were looking on in shock, it was a terrible sight. The air was thick and the smell was horrible. Killings and shootings are very common here in Amaoti, we fear for our lives all the time. No one deserves to die like this, it was a very disturbing thing to see.”
According to a reliable source who did not want to be named: “The deceased went missing around 2pm on Sunday after informing his family that he was going to a braai. When he did not return, a missing persons report was circulated on social media. There was some form of communication from his device which was later determined not to have been from him. Around 9pm on Sunday night, money was withdrawn from his account in the Amaoti area. Despite all the efforts to locate him, his burnt and lifeless body was found in a skip near a school. His car was found a few days later in the same area. It was confirmed on Friday after medical reports that the burnt-out remains are that of Gregory Papiah”.
SAPS eThekwini District communication commander, Captain Carmen Rhynes said: “I can confirm that the vehicle belonging to Gregory Papiah was found abandoned in Amaoti, Inanda, and the investigations are still ongoing.”
The vice chairperson of the Phoenix Community Police Forum, Mark Nadesan said: “After this tragic incident, we encourage residents especially the elderly to be aware, pay attention to their surroundings and always inform friends and family where they are going to and what time they will be returning. The Phoenix Community Police Forum sends our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased during this difficult time. May the Almighty provide you with the strength and comfort you need during your period of bereavement.”
The family declined to comment on the matter.
