Police are investigating the death of a Dennery contractor, while his family fears it may be linked to a land dispute.
The man who died was Marinus Annibaffa, 52, from Gadette, Dennery.
Police from the Richfond station responded to a report of a body found around 7:30 a.m.
This happened almost a month after family members spoke about the problems they faced while trying to build a home.
At that time, an 18-year-old and his mother said their family had lived on the land for over three decades and had started building a more permanent home. They said the project faced repeated opposition and threats.
Speaking after Annibaffa’s death, the young man said things became worse once construction started.
“That man was in problem with nobody before,” he said. “Since I decided to make my house for my mother, it was a lot of problem, a lot of threats saying that if we build a house there, we’re going to be in problem.”
The young man said Annibaffa was in charge of the construction and had worked on the property as recently as last Saturday, when the community came together to help with the project.
He said the unfinished building had already been damaged twice and claimed that some people made comments hinting they were responsible.
The relative also said he had received threats before.
He also said they reported the threats to the authorities, but he feels frustrated because he thinks not enough has been done.
Another family member, speaking with emotion, described Annibaffa as hardworking and peaceful.
“He was very quiet, just on his own vibe, hardworking,” she said. “From the moment that house started building, we have a problem. Threatening words, everything.”
The relative recalled that the family faced many challenges after construction began and said she believes the incident might be connected to the larger dispute.
She said the disagreement centred on plans for a road through the area and on claims that the house should not be built.
She said the family has lived on the land for about 32 years, and the young man started building to give his mother a better place to live.
She called the situation heartbreaking.
“This is a young boy trying to do something for his mother,” she said. “That’s very sad.”
So far, police have not said if they suspect foul play or if there is any confirmed link between the death and the family’s concerns.
The investigation is still ongoing.
