Businessman Found Dead Among Drugs

Johannesburg (South Africa):
A prominent Johannesburg businessman has been found dead in his home in Gallo Manor with a towel wrapped around his neck and crack cocaine, hashish and Ecstasy scattered on his bed.
Charlie Smith, 46, chief executive of CS Communications, was found dead in his bedroom on Saturday.Johannesburg police spokesperson Superintendent Chris Wilken said on Sunday the cause of his death was still unknown.
"A postmortem will be conducted to determine the cause of his death," Wilken said.
He confirmed that police had found drugs at the scene.
"We did arrest someone, but he was later released on bail of R500. He will appear in court on charges of defeating the ends of justice," Wilken said.
Smith's brother, who did not want to be named, said Charlie had been hospitalised two months ago because of heart problems."We find it very strange that there were drugs on his bed because we know he did not take drugs.
"We don't know what happened on that fateful night. Obviously he was not alone in the house," he said.
He said the family were awaiting the outcome of the postmortem. Smith's brother added that he had recently made several phone calls to his family telling them that his life was under threat.
"We have appointed a family member to work with the police and conduct intensive investigation regarding his death.
"I was absolutely shocked when I heard about his death and the circumstances surrounding it."
He added that the death had left family members traumatised.
"The situation is bad. We did not expect this. This is very bad.
"The family members are very emotional," he added.
He described Smith as a "people's person".
Oct 03 2005
Solly Maphumulo, Independent Online, South Africa