Concerned residents believe his death to be the result of jealousy on the part of other spaza shop operators, who did not want him to run his business in the area.
The police, however, said they could not confirm the claim, but stated that the cause of the man’s death remains under investigation.
“We understand that there is tension between rival spaza shop operators, but we cannot come to a conclusion without investigation and enough evidence to support the claim,” said Reiger Park SAPS spokesperson Sgt Mashudu Phathela.
“In order to determine the cause of the man’s death we have opened an inquest docket.”
Phathela confirmed that blood stains were found on the floor, but it is still unclear if the man suffered any injuries other than burns.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the investigating officer, W/O Manie du Preez, on 011 916 7000, using reference number Reiger Park Case 193/10/2015. -@FanieFLK
