Missing KZN man found dead in car
Durban businessman Nazier Kolia, who was reported missing in Johannesburg, has been found dead in the back seat of his borrowed car, which had been abandoned on a farm. Photo: Supplied
Durban - A wealthy Durban businessman who was reported missing in Johannesburg has been found dead in the back seat of his borrowed car, which had been abandoned on a farm.
It is believed that Nazier Kolia, 47, of eMdloti on the North Coast, was shot dead at about midnight on Sunday.
His family believe he was killed as a result of a business deal that had gone sour.
Kolia, his wife, Rihana, and their three sons, were in Johannesburg visiting relatives soon after the start of the Easter school holidays.
Kolia, who ran a car retail and cash loan business in uMhlanga, had apparently left his family to collect cash from a client.
His body was discovered on the farm Welderdeeskuil in Fochville by a farmer at 7am on Monday, less than 24 hours after he had left the Lenasia home for what was meant to be a short business meeting.
All his valuables, including his watch and wallet, were not taken, and Kolia’s firearm was found in the car. His cellphone had been smashed to pieces and thrown next to his body.
The family, originally from Johannesburg, relocated to Durban more than 10 years ago to seek better education opportunities for their four children, Kolia’s childhood friend, Veeren Gokool, said on Tuesday.
Kolia’s daughter, Nabila, is married and lives in Cape Town.
Gokool said the family were packed and ready to travel back to Durban once Kolia returned from his business meeting.
He had left his in-laws’ home at about 11am on Sunday to attend the meeting, he said, adding that Kolia had told his wife that he would return within 20 minutes.
“Nazier borrowed his brother-in-law’s Volvo to go to the business meeting. Unfortunately the car was not fitted with a tracking device,” he said.
“When he failed to return home after about an hour, panic set in. They tried calling his cellphone but it went to voicemail,” Gokool said.
“By 4pm the family was in a state. They alerted police and all his friends. I flew to Johannesburg immediately and a search was launched.
“Alerts were also put out on BBM and Facebook.”
Gokool said he had also called on a Durban private investigator to help them find Kolia.
Searches were conducted in Westonaria and Fochville on Sunday night, and false reports had surfaced that Kolia’s body had been found at the Fochville mine dumps.
“At 9am on Monday, our worst fears were realised. Police confirmed they had found his car at the Welderdeeskuil farm,” Gokool said.
He said Kolia was found slumped in the back seat with a single gunshot wound to his chest.
“At this stage we suspect it was a business deal that went sour. There was no sign of a struggle or any marks or bruising on his body,” he said. “It seemed like he knew his killers.”
Gokool said according to the preliminary post-mortem report, Kolia’s estimated time of death was at midnight on Sunday.
“He was held by his killers for several hours before he was killed,” he said. “Police are investigating if any money was taken from his bank accounts.”
Gokool said cellphone records were also being tracked to help trace Kolia’s movements.
“His killers thought they were smart by damaging his phone. But technology is far smarter.”
Gokool said Kolia’s family were baffled by his murder.
“He ran a successful business and everything was above board. He had no enemies. None of us can understand what went wrong.”
He said the family was appealing to police to fast-track the investigation and bring Kolia’s killers to book.
“His phone is the key to everything. Police must apprehend his killers soon. We need answers – closure.”
Kolia’s funeral took place in Johannesburg on Monday night.
Carltonville police spokeswoman, Constable Tembi Masango, said a case of murder was being investigated, but that the motive for the killing was unknown.
“At this stage there have been no arrests,” she said.
“Anyone with information which could help police in their investigation should contact their nearest police station.”
Daily News
