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On Tuesday, 8 June 2021, Walter Lawrence Nelson, a well-known figure within the Newcastle and Utrecht community, sadly passed on. However, in the wake of his death, various theories sprouted up surrounding Walter’s demise.
Clearing the air, Newcastle police spokesperson Lizzy Arumugam explains that after Nelson’s neighbours realised the elderly farmer’s home at Uitkomste was engulfed in flames and the fact that Walter lived alone, authorities were immediately notified. “The incident was reported via Madadeni SAPS, because the farm is on the Utrecht and Madadeni SAPS boundry.”
Upon arrival, Arumugam says, Utrecht SAPS and Firefighters found Nelson’s remains in a bedroom of what was left of the burnt down home. “The cause of the fire is still unknown, but Arsons Investigators from Durban Amanzimtoti visited the crime scene to investigate the possible cause of the fire.”
However, claims began circulating that Nelson had been murdered prior to his house being set alight. “The Post-Mortem report, as well as the Arsons investigation report, is outstanding, and the police are currently investigating an inquest case until those reports are received to suggest otherwise,” stated Arumugam. Therefore, if anyone has any information to help shed light on the matter, the case is being investigated by Utrecht SAPS member Detective Sergeant Madonsela, who can be contacted on 060 336 1305 or his Unit Commander Captain Hlatshwayo on 082 462 9848.
As police investigations continue, a long-time friend of Nelson, Deon Luyt, describes him as a solid individual who loved horse riding. “We met in 1982, when we were in Basics in Potchefstroom and did two operations together.” Following their National Service, Luyt points out that they remained in contact and met on occasion. “Lawrence was a decent guy and extremely fit, in fact, in his 50s he did the Memel Walk and came in third.”
Adding to this, Vince Nixon explains he met Nelson through the Dundee Diehards. “We were both members of the Dundee Diehards and we used to do re-enactments together, such as the battle of Amajuba and Isandlwana. Lawrence was a quiet and friendly man, who had a great sense of humour.”
Pixelfish Marketing and the Newcastillian – Online News extends its heartfelt condolences to Walter Lawrence Nelson’s family and friends, and rest assured, we will keep a close ear to the ground, reporting on the investigation as it unfolds.
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One Response
Ai Lawrence mens het nie woorde nie. Ek is so jammer dat jy, van alle mense, op so manier moes gaan. Jy gaan gemis word deur baie mense. Een so mens is Oom Lukas Snyman, wat jou sy Seun genoem het. Ek hoop en bid vir geregtigheid. RIV LAWRENCE 💔