MARGATE / RAMSGATE, KZN – The heartbreaking case of 52-year-old Duan Maartens, who vanished after leaving work in Silverton, Pretoria, has taken a chilling turn. His body was discovered washed up on Ramsgate Beach—and now, sources within SAPS and the community suggest Maartens may have taken his own life.
Read Urgent Search Underway for Missing 52-year-old Duan Maartens – Help Find Him!
Vehicle Discovery: Bakkie Located at Pistols Saloon in Margate
After being missing for days, Maartens’ white Ford bakkie (Reg: PCV082GP) was finally traced to Pistols Saloon Pub in Margate, where it had been parked unattended for nearly two weeks. Locals became suspicious and recognized the license plate from articles circulating online.
“Does anyone know the owner of this bakkie standing outside Pistols Saloon for 2 weeks?” one resident asked in a local community WhatsApp group.
A concerned citizen alerted Ramsgate Police, who then made the connection between the vehicle and Maartens’ disappearance.
Conversation with Security: “The Devil Is After Me”
In a startling revelation, a SAPS insider shared that Maartens had a chilling encounter with a local security officer days before his death. During the conversation, Maartens reportedly told the guard:
“The devil is after me. I’m not okay.”
According to the source, Maartens appeared highly distressed and mentally unstable, signaling that he may have been in emotional crisis leading up to the incident. This disturbing account adds weight to suspicions that Maartens’ death may have been a suicide.
Body Discovered on Ramsgate Beach, Margate
On Saturday, April 6, Maartens’ body was found on Ramsgate Beach, roughly 8 hours after entering the water, according to early estimates. No external injuries were publicly reported, and his medical history did not indicate any underlying physical conditions.
Police were reportedly expected to release a statement yesterday (Friday), but no official SAPS press release has been issued at the time of publishing.
Battery Flat: Why the Tracker Went Dead
The mystery around the vehicle’s tracker shutting off has now been partly solved. Locals say the bakkie’s battery was flat, which likely disabled the tracker.
“The battery was flat. That’s probably why no one could trace the vehicle through the tracking system,” a Margate resident reported.
Frustration is growing as SAPS has yet to issue a public statement despite multiple requests and promises. Family members and online followers are left in limbo, seeking answers about what truly happened in Maartens’ final hours.
A Troubled Mind and a Tragic End in Margate
This latest update paints a deeply tragic picture of a man who may have been battling inner demons in silence. While no official cause of death has been confirmed, all signs now point to a desperate man in distress, lost in the shadows of a personal struggle that ultimately ended in tragedy.
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