Tavern owner shot, family gone

2004-09-28 13:53

Durban - Police were searching on Tuesday for the relatives of a Pietermaritzburg businessman found dead in his home on Monday night.

Police spokesperson Detective Inspector Swami Pillay said 35-year-old Jonathan Padayachee was last seen at his Good Fellows tavern on Sunday.

When Padayachee failed to turn up for business on Monday a friend went to his house and after forcing open the door, found Padayachee's body lying on his bed with a gunshot wound to his right temple.

Pillay said a 9mm pistol, believed to be the murder weapon, was also found.

Meanwhile, police are also searching for Padayachee's girlfriend Pearl Stockdale, 22, their daughter, Jaydeen Padayachee, three, and his 14-year-old niece Crystal Padayachee.

Pillay said some of the relatives' clothes were missing.

Anyone with information that may help the police is asked to contact the Pietermaritzburg serious and violent crimes unit on 033-845-8502 or Crime Stop on 08600-10111.

- SAPA