SAPS opens inquest after man found dead outside Lydenburg nursery

An investigation is under way after an 81-year-old man was found dead outside his business in Lydenburg on September 1.

Discovery at nursery

According to The Citizen (Lowvelder), the body of Graham Young was found by his wife, Cilla Young (76), outside Tumbleweed Nurseries on Rivier Street in Lydenburg.

Signs of assault and missing items

According to The Citizen (Lowvelder), Cilla said her husband had visible assault wounds and that his wrists were bound with cable ties. She told the publication that one of two televisions, his cellphone and his bank card were missing, which she said suggested he had been overpowered and assaulted.

Police response

Lydenburg SAPS spokesperson Captain Cave Dilebo confirmed that an inquest docket has been opened and that a post-mortem examination will determine whether foul play occurred. According to the police statement reported by The Citizen (Lowvelder), if the post-mortem confirms foul play the charge will be changed to murder. The police said the investigation is ongoing.

Community reaction

According to The Citizen (Lowvelder), Graham Young was well known in the community through the nursery, and his death has deeply shocked his family and local residents.