Tragedy Strikes South African Swimming Community

PESHAWAR, Pakistan, April 10. NEVILLE Smith, the Open-Water Coordinator for Swimming South Africa, is en route to Pakistan to claim the body of his son, Kenneth, who was found murdered Sunday in the Pakistani city of Peshawar. The body of the 26-year-old Smith was found in a bag on the outskirts of the city.

Neville Smith indicated that his family was unaware that the young man was in Pakistan and had no idea why he would be in the nation. The family thought Smith was in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates searching for a job as a swimming coach. Kenneth Smith was a three-time 10K open-water champion in South Africa.

Reports have been mixed concerning the cause of death. Some indications have suggested he was poisoned while other reports have indicated Smith was shot in the back of the head. Before being notified of their son's death, the family had last heard from Kenneth two weeks ago. They plan to explore why their son was in Pakistan.

"I am going to fly to Pakistan on Wednesday to try and get the truth from police there," Neville Smith said in the Beeld. "I don't have any idea what my lad was doing there. I will bring his body back to South Africa. There are no cremation facilities in Pakistan. It is also only fitting that he come back to South Africa."

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