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Beaten, murdered and betrayed: What really happened to Luke Edwards?
Beaten, murdered and betrayed: What really happened to Luke Edwards?
Luke Edwards, a 32-year-old described as bright, disciplined and full of promise, went into a facility seeking help.
Instead, he died a violent and painful death, The Witness reports.
His beaten, bloody, and half-clothed body was found just metres away from the Tetelestai Recovery Centre in KZN that he had been admitted into.
He had no shirt or shoes, and his injuries told a horrific story.
This week, Amanzimtoti police confirmed the arrest of four suspects in connection with his murder.
Private investigator Brad Nathanson, hired by the Edwards family, said Luke's body showed clear signs of severe assault.
'It would be too gruesome to describe the state Edwards' body was found in,' said Nathanson.
'In my 45 years as an investigator, it was one of the most upsetting scenes I have ever seen.'
Luke's father, Duncan Edwards, said the pain of losing his son under such brutal circumstances is indescribable.
'No words will ever describe the pain of seeing my son like that. Luke was not a drug addict. He was sick and needed care. We placed our trust in the wrong hands. They failed him,' he said.
'Luke was extremely clever, played a lot of chess, went to the gym daily and was proficient in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
'He was not addicted to any other drugs, and his system was completely clear of any drugs [other than marijuana],' he added.
He said the family turned to Nathanson to uncover what happened.
'Brad has been amazing. He has helped us to answer almost all the questions we have been asking ourselves as a family,' he said.
'This act was senseless. A parent sends their child to a facility for them to get well, not to be murdered.
'[There is] no motive other than entitled bullies who went too far and then feared the repercussions of their actions. The men responsible for Luke's death must face recompense. Well done detectives at SAPS Amanzimtoti.
'My sincere condolences to the Edwards family,' Nathanson said.
Nathanson also questioned the qualification of some people who reside at the rehabilitation facility, receiving board and lodging in exchange for acting as volunteer 'monitors'.
'They are going to argue that these 'monitors' at the facility are not their 'employees'. Once again taking two steps away from the truth. Technically, these monitors don't work for the rehabilitation centre.
'They volunteer for benefits,' said Nathanson.
Amanzimtoti SAPS spokesperson Captain Charlene van der Spuy confirmed that four suspects, aged between 24 and 28, were arrested on Thursday.
A fifth person was arrested and charged with assault GBH for attacking a witness in the case. He appeared in Amanzimtoti Court on June 17, 2025.
The accused are due in the Umlazi Magistrate's Court on June 30.
The Tetelestai Recovery Centre, where Luke had been admitted prior to his murder, denied any involvement in Luke's death and said he was not harmed while under their care.
'Tetelestai Recovery Centre has no staff member, manager, board member or director who has ever been formally charged or convicted of any crime related to abuse, assault, or negligence,' said managing director Donovan de Klerk in a post on Facebook.
We are fully co-operating with SAPS Amanzimtoti, and will continue to provide them with all documentation and assistance required.
'We have also instructed our legal team to monitor all public commentary and consider legal steps against anyone making false, misleading, or defamatory statements that may be causing reputational or operational harm.'
In the Facebook post, De Klerk presents the facility's version of events. According to him:
Luke Edwards was admitted to Tetelestai Recovery Centre on a voluntary basis.
On April 8, at 23.06, Luke left the Centre without authorisation. This was documented and escalated internally, and our protocols were followed.
On April 9, at 01:30, CCTV footage from a neighbouring facility, a retirement home, shows Luke alive, coherent, fully clothed, and without visible injuries.
Later that morning, Luke was tragically discovered dead, lying in a big pool of blood on the Retirement Home property.
Circumstances surrounding his death, including details regarding his injuries, are the subject of an active SAPS investigation, and we will not speculate on any cause or timeline.
'We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Luke Edwards.
'His untimely passing is a tragedy, and our thoughts are with all affected,' said De Klerk.
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