THREE NABBED FOR MURDER, ROBBERY AND KIDNAPPING

THREE NABBED FOR MURDER, ROBBERY AND KIDNAPPING

Three accused, Thabang Ntheko, Samsom Makua and George Maswanganyi, a Mozambican, National have appeared before Middelburg Magistrates’ Court today, 10 November 2014. The trio charged with two counts of murder, two counts of kidnapping, two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances and possession of suspected stolen vehicle.

Police discovered two bodies at a disused open mine yesterday at about 18:00 in Middelburg. One of the bodies was already at an advanced stage of decomposition while the other was still identifiable. Preliminary investigations revealed that both deceased had been reported missing by family members. One been reported in 8 October 2014 at Blinkpan. It appears that the last time he seen by his family was when he left Mhluzi, his home, for work in Blinkpan but he never arrived.

He was driving a Gold Toyota Corolla. It’s suspected that the victim hijacked, robbed and kidnapped when he arrived in Blinkpan and then dumped at the mine.

The other victim reported missing in Bronkhorspruit on Tuesday, 4 November 2014. The victim also believed to have fallen prey to the suspects where it is suspected that he was hijacked, robbed, kidnapped and dumped at the mine. He was driving a silver Mercedes Bens.

The police followed up on information and arrested one suspect at Uitkyk informal settlement where they recovered the silver Mercedes Bens. The other two suspects apprehended at Mhluzi also in Middelburg. The gold Toyota Corolla been traced to Delmas where it is alleged to have been sold to a local driving school owner.

The three accused, aged between 22 and 26, have appeared before the Middelburg Magistrates’ Court and their case postponed to 20 November 2014 for a formal bail application.