Lionel Simenya death: 21-year-old charged in connection with alleged murder of chef

POLICE have arrested and charged a 21-year-old man in connection with the alleged murder of Lionel Simenya.

Lionel Simenya was found dead on Ford's Road on Thursday 7 March.

Lionel Simenya, 36, originally from Burundi, died after being found on Ford’s Road in the Saughton area of the city around 3.50am on March 7.

Lionel, who was 36, was found dead in the street on Fords Road last Thursday after being hit by a Peugeot 207 stolen from a nearby garage.

Car thieves then abandoned the car and fled over a footbridge by the Water of Leith.

A 22 year old man has since been arrested and charged.

A 21-year-old man arrested on Friday 15th March has been released.

Brother Nicolas Simenya flew in from Belgium on Wednesday and issued a public plea to help find the people responsible for Lionel’s death.

He described him as a “wonderful, protective big brother and appreciated by all those who crossed his path”.

Detective Inspector Stuart Alexander from the Major Investigation Team said: “This has been a complex inquiry as we worked to establish the full circumstances of how Mr Simenya died.

“I would like to thank his family for their patience and assistance as we carried out our inquiries and our thoughts remain with them at this time.

“I’d also like to extend my thanks to the local community and members of the public who assisted with our investigation and came forward following our appeals for information.”

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