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Former CEO of Gemballa Automobiletechnik found murdered in South Africa

Uwe Gemballa, the former CEO of the Porsche tuning company that bears his name, has been found murdered near Pretoria, South Africa.

The tuning company, Gemballa Automobiletechnik, is known for creating Porsche performance conversions and customers have included Arab royalty and movie stars.

Gemballa was found shot in the head with his hands tied and his body wrapped in cellophane.

The German businessman had been missing since 8 February after travelling to the country for a business trip.

At the time, police said there was little evidence to suggest kidnapping. Local forces have not commented on any of the surrounding circumstances of Gemballa's death.

Vishnu Naidoo, a South African police spokesman said, “We have found the body of Gemballa and we're now investigating the circumstances around his death. A murder docket has been opened.”

No arrests have yet been made, but two German police officers are in South Africa to assist with the investigation.

Andrew Papworth

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