DNA tests have confirmed that the decomposed body discovered in the Silvermine Nature Reserve belongs to Alistair Stanbull, a missing City of Cape Town employee.
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While police have not yet confirmed if they are investigating a murder case amid suspicions of foul play, Stanbull’s former employer has verified that the DNA tests were completed and that he was laid to rest several weeks ago.
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Stanbull’s disappearance on 29 April caused significant concern after he allegedly went hiking and did not return. Employed in the City’s human settlements department, Stanbull was implicated in a R2.5 million fraud scandal and was arrested in November 2022 alongside a colleague. He was released on R10 000 bail.
The State alleged that employees of a construction company, including its directors, provided false invoices to the City and misrepresented some work as completed. Stanbull allegedly authorised these invoices despite knowing the work was unfinished.
Following his disappearance, search teams scoured the mountain slopes for several days without success. A week before Stanbull was scheduled to return to court with his co-accused, police discovered a decomposed body in the nature reserve.
Police spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi stated that an autopsy would be conducted to determine the cause of death, and an inquest docket was opened for further investigation.
City Manager Lungelo Mbandazayo confirmed the DNA test results, saying, ‘We were informed that the DNA tests confirmed his identity, and he was buried several weeks ago. As a result of his death, the City’s disciplinary process has been halted. Typically, criminal charges are withdrawn when an accused passes away, but that investigation remains with SAPS.’
During the fraud case’s last court appearance in June, the prosecutor explained Stanbull’s absence. Alongside Stanbull’s colleague Adam Majiet, five individuals from Ilitha Painters and Decorators faced charges of fraud, attempted forgery and unlawfully interfering with the City’s Supply Chain Management Policy.
The prosecutor noted that Stanbull had been absent for the first time since the case began and that police suspected foul play.
According to IOL, the case could not proceed until the DNA test results were available, and it was postponed to 20 September.
Police spokesperson FC van Wyk stated, ‘This office cannot divulge any further details at this stage. The investigation into the matter is still ongoing.’
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