THOBILE Bixa from Katlehong South in Ekurhuleni, who went missing on 30 May, has been found dead.
His body was found at the Hillbrow Government Mortuary on Monday, 9 June.
Thobile (46) was last seen in Katlehong on 30 May and was reported missing at the Ramokonope cop shop.
A few days after he went missing, the family received calls from an unknown man who demanded a R3 500 ransom for his release.
The family believes he was kidnapped and allegedly killed.
Thobile's sister, Noxolo Bixa, said they are devastated that her brother was found dead at the mortuary.
"On Monday afternoon, 9 June, one of my sisters went to the mortuary, and the police showed her photos of the missing persons.
"She managed to identify him, and they called me to come to the mortuary," said Noxolo.
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She said she left her workplace in Sandton and went to the mortuary.
"When I arrived there, cops showed me photos on the system, I then requested to go and see him so I can be sure.
"They showed me his corpse, and I identified him with a tattoo on his hand and a scratch on his foot," she said.
Noxolo said police told them Thobile was found dead in the streets in Youville two weeks ago.
"I'm saddened by his passing. I believe the man who has been calling us asking for R3 500 was lying. He kept saying he was with my brother, but when we asked him to take a video of him or allow us to speak to him, he failed to do so."
Noxolo said she suspects the photo of his brother, which was sent to them, was taken before he was assaulted on his face.
"When I identified him at the mortuary, his face was badly bruised to show he had been assaulted. My brother suffered a lot before he died, and his lifeless body was dumped in the streets of Youville."
She said the caller continued to call on Monday, 9 June, in the afternoon, asking for the money.
"People are heartless out there. Imagine, after he played with our emotions for weeks, he still has the guts to demand money, yet he knew they killed my brother."
Noxolo described Thobile as humble and helpful to the family.
"He was unemployed but took care of us. He would cook and clean to ensure the family house is well-looked after," said Noxolo.
Police spokeswoman Warrant Officer Majang Skalkie confirmed that Thobile, who was reported missing, has been found deceased and identified by his sister on Monday, 9 June, at the Hillbrow Government Mortuary.
"Police will initiate an investigation as to what led to his death," said Skalkie.
