Update
KNYSNA NEWS - The death of 56-year-old Patrick Clifton Spies in Hornlee is being investigated by police after his body was found in Protea Street before dawn on Monday 7 September.
An inquest docket has been opened into the circumstances surrounding his death. Patrick, affectionally known as Pat, was the brother of the well-known Southern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Chris Spies.
Body discovered before dawn
A passer-by discovered Patrick's body at about 04:30 and alerted police. Knysna Police and medical personnel responded, and he was declared deceased at the scene.
This publication observed what appeared to be blood marks in Stroebel Street, near the new Hornlee Clinic, followed by what appeared to be a trail along Shamrock Road into Protea Street, ending adjacent to Gawie's Tyre Services.
Marks resembling motor vehicle tyre tracks were also visible. The distance between Stroebel Street and Gawie's Panelbeaters is approximately 1.8 kilometres. The nature and significance of the marks have not been confirmed by police.
Vehicle reports unconfirmed
Rumours that Spies may have been struck by a vehicle and dragged before being left where his body was discovered have circulated in the community.
Southern Cape police media liaison officer Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie said the reports could not be confirmed at this stage. "However, all possibilities are being investigated," said Pojie.
Family seeks answers
Pat' sister, Mary-Anne Markgraaff, said the family was informed by their nephew. Given that Patrick had tuberculosis and a history of epilepsy attacks, they initially believed he may have suffered an episode.
She said Patrick's brother would previously collect his clinic card and take him to hospital when he suffered an episode while out on the streets.
"When we got the news, we thought it might be that. Never did we think that my brother's last moments would be taken from him in such a tragic and gruesome manner," she said.
Markgraaf appealed to anyone who witnessed or heard anything relating to Patrick's death to report it to police, even anonymously.
"We just want closure and justice to prevail, and the facts as to what happened to him," she said.
"Patrick was very ill and we as a family fought so hard and did everything to keep him alive. It's heartbreaking to see and know that he was taken away from us like this after everything we did."
'Mooi loop, Pat'
Chris Spies said attending the scene was particularly difficult. "I've been called to many scenes in my career, but it's not the same when you attend a scene where your brother is the deceased," he said.
"Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all," he quoted from Psalm 34:19. "My alles op die altaar," he said, before adding: "Mooi loop, Pat".
Patrick leaves behind his 83-year-old mother, Annie Spies, two brothers, Chris and Dennis, four sisters, Mary-Anne, Deidre, Christene and Cathleen, and his only daughter, Corrine Jantjies.
He will be laid to rest on Saturday 19 September. Memorial services are scheduled for Tuesday 15 September and Thursday 17 September. The times are still to be confirmed.
Police urge anyone with information to contact Sergeant Winston Swartz on 078 571 5270 or Crime Stop anonymously on 08600 10111.
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