Money mystery in mafia murder

2003-03-04 00:02

Marietie Louw

Johannesburg - A neighbour of Tertia Steenkamp, who was abducted and murdered earlier this year, says it is a mystery where she got her millions.

Her mother, Clifford, died of cancer in October, but her estate has not been wound up.

The neighbour, who does not want to be identified, says Steenkamp, 42, was like "a roaming gypsy" who travelled from one show and festival to the other, trading in "everything under the sun".

She and her boyfriend, Jose Mendez, 33, who lived with her in the months prior to her disappearance, were "very secretive" about their lives, the neighbour says.

Steenkamp, the daughter of a former general, disappeared on January 19.

Before her disappearance she told her neighbours that she was going to shows in Port Elizabeth and Mossel Bay. When they did not hear from her after two weeks, they feared for her life. They called her on her cellphone, but only got her voicemail.

Police found Steenkamp's home in a chaotic state on February 8. There were signs of a struggle and blood stains on the walls.

Breakthrough

Police made a breakthrough when they arrested, Jose Mendez, 33, and a Nigerian in Port Elizabeth in connection with two robberies.

Steenkamp's car, illegal firearms and ammunition were found in the two men's possession. Mendez is an alleged member of the Portuguese mafia.

Mendez, who was charged with abduction, claimed senior members of the mafia asked him to abduct and kill her for her money.

He pointed out Steenkamp's mutilated body at the weekend. She was badly assaulted and her neck was broken.

On Saturday Gauteng police arrested a young Afrikaans-speaking man in connection with the murder.

The man, who is expected to appear in court on Tuesday, was allegedly paid R3 000 to kill Steenkamp.

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- Beeld