A QUIET evening stroll ended in tragedy for a Bonela father after his badly beaten body was found two days after he was reported missing.
Alden Thaver, 36, had gone for an evening stroll on July 26, and never made it back home.
His body was discovered in bushes by a passer-by in KwaNdengezi on July 28.
It was believed that Thaver, who was found with his hands tied, was beaten with a blunt object.
Ahead of his funeral at the Clare Estate Crematorium on Tuesday, his family called on police to bring those responsible for their loved one’s death to book.
Thaver, an employee at a logistics company, was last seen on Sunday, July 26 at 8.30pm when he informed his family that he was going for an evening walk.
His uncle, Teddy Nadasen, said that when Thaver failed to return home the following morning, they reported him missing at the local police station. His personal details were also circulated in missing persons and security groups on social media.
“His phone was switched off. We circulated his photo and information about his disappearance with the hope that someone would spot him and call us,” said Teddy Nadasen.
“Last Tuesday, a passerby discovered his body in bushes in KwaNdengezi (near Mariannhill). Police were alerted and they notified us about the murder. They requested that we go to the Pinetown mortuary to identify the body. It was traumatic to see the extent of his injuries.
“He was brutally assaulted. Most of his injuries were to his head and face. It is suspected that he was hit with a bat or a blunt object. His hands were also tied.
“Our family is struggling to understand the motive for his senseless and brutal killing. Why would someone tie him up and kill him in a heinous manner? Alden was helpful, good, and kind-hearted. He put everyone else’s well-being before his own. We are now praying the police find his killers.”
He said his nephew was a general worker at a logistics company in Springfield.
“Alden became a valued and indispensable employee. His company held a memorial service on Monday.”
Nadasen said his nephew’s 56-year-old mother and his 10-year-old son were struggling to come to terms with his death.
Aldin’s employer, who declined to be named, referred to him as his “right-hand man”.
“When he went missing, we sent people out to look for him in different areas, and we posted information about his disappearance on social media. We hoped that he would be found safe, but we were shocked that he was found so far from home.
“This has been a traumatising time. Like his family, we hope the police find his killers. At this stage, we were told that police were following up on leads.”
He said Alden was instrumental in starting the logistics company with him (the owner) soon after Alden matriculated.
“Alden was like a son to me. He started working with me when I began the business about 15 years ago. He was my right-hand man, and a dedicated employee who quickly became like family. He had a wonderful character and worked hard to support his family. Alden was someone you could never get angry with due to his kind nature.”
Colonel Robert Netshiunda, a spokesperson for KZN police, said a case of murder was being investigated.
