Linden labourer found dead in house 

Carlton Jacobs, a 67-year-old labourer from Obama Drive, Amelia’s Ward, Linden, was found dead in his house on Sunday morning.

Police Headquarters said the man is believed to have died sometime between 16:10 hrs Saturday and 06:40 hrs Sunday.

It was reported that Jacobs lived alone in an unfinished two-storey wooden and concrete house, in a partly fenced yard. It is believed that Jacobs was suffering from asthma.

According to Collin Ceres, a 40-year-old contractor from South Amelia’s Ward, Jacobs was his friend, and he (Ceres) would visit him regularly.

Ceres stated that on Saturday, at about 16:00 hrs, he visited Jacobs at his home and gave him a small Coca-Cola and a Smalta to drink. Ceres said he spent about 10 minutes with Jacobs, then went away.

Ceres further stated that he observed Jacobs looking unwell, and he saw that the area around his left eye was bruised and swollen, and there were also bruises on his forehead. Ceres said he offered to take Jacobs to the hospital, but he refused.

Ceres further mentioned that at about 06:40 hrs Sunday morning, he returned to Jacobs’ home where he saw him lying motionless in front of his house and, as a result, he informed the Police. Ranks visited the scene and, on arrival, the body of the deceased man was seen lying motionless on his back on the ground.

The man’s body was found about five feet away from the front of his house with the doors open. The body was examined, and abrasions (bruises) were seen on his left eye, which appeared to be swollen. Old abrasions were also seen on his forehead, left hand, and left side abdomen.

The scene and body were video recorded, photographed, and processed by the crime scene ranks.

No blood stains were seen in or around the house and yard. However, while conducting searches at the scene, 269 grammes of cannabis were found in Jacobs’ store room.

The man’s body was removed and taken to the Linden Hospital Complex, where it was seen and examined by a doctor on duty, who pronounced it dead.

The body was escorted to Pensioner Funeral Home, where it is awaiting an autopsy. An investigation in progress.