The decomposing body of a man was discovered by Rocklands residents in bushes close to Mnandi Beach in Mitchells Plain yesterday.
The man, who was identified as Andre Theys, 40, from Eastridge by his brother, was lying on his side in the bush along Eisleben Road.
A three-minute walk from the road up a path led to an area where Andre apparently lived.
His eyes were missing and his fully-clothed decomposing body was riddled with flies and maggots.
His brother Jason Theys, 41, said he recognised Andre by his clothing.
“I heard people in the street speak about Andre lying dead close to the beach, I immediately rushed to the scene.
“I knew it was him, he always wore all his clothes because he lived as a bergie, he was homeless and he loved sleeping in the bush, he loved being near the beach.”
He says it seems Andre was sitting upright and keeled over.
“His eyes were gone and he looked burnt. I don't think this was an accident, I think he was murdered right there.”
He says Andre was not married and did not have children: “As a youngster, he led a life of gangsterism, I couldn't stand his way of living, I prayed to God to rather take him away because he already survived being stabbed 16 times in 2019.”
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk said the body was found at about 1pm by a passerby.
“A post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death. Police have opened an inquest for investigation.”