Body of German Businessman Found in South Africa

VOA Breaking News
October 3, 2010 at 12:35 pm

South African police say they have found what is likely the body of a German businessman who disappeared eight months ago shortly after arriving in Johannesburg.

A spokesman says police are almost certain the body is that of the missing Uwe Gemballa, but are waiting final confirmation through medical tests.

The South African Press Association reports the body was found Tuesday west of the capital, Pretoria.

The Sunday Times newspaper says Gemballa was shot execution-style in the head. Police have not confirmed that report but say they suspect Gemballa was murdered.

Gemballa has been missing since February 9, when he called his wife and told her he had an “accident” and needed a large sum of money. His family suspected he had been kidnapped.

Two German police officers went to South Africa to help with the investigation.

Gemballa is a specialist in customizing Porsches and other luxury cars for rich clients who include Arab royalty. His company was in financial trouble at the time of his disappearance.

Some information in this story was provided by Reuters.