Headless body, dark claims: ‘Messiah’ suspect faces court

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Bloemfontein — A 23-year-old man accused of murder has appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court after being arrested while allegedly in possession of a severed human head, police said on Monday.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), Thabo Malotle appeared in court on 22 December after his arrest by Parkweg police at a stormwater drainage tunnel beneath the Central Park Shopping Complex.

In a statement posted on X, SAPS Free State said Malotle “who calls himself ‘the messiah’ was arrested by Parkweg police holding a severed head”.

Police confirmed that the suspect has been remanded in custody and will undergo a psychological evaluation early next year. “The murder suspect was remanded in custody and will undergo psychological evaluation on, 6 January 2026,” SAPS said.

Meanwhile, detectives in Heidedal are appealing to the public for help to identify the victim.

Police said the deceased’s body, without a head, was discovered in a stream in the Old East End industrial area.

“The police in Heidedal are still looking for public assistance to identify the deceased, whose beheaded body was found lying in a stream in Old East End industrial area,” the statement read.

Authorities have urged anyone who may have information about the identity of the deceased or their relatives to come forward.

“Any member of the public who might have information on the deceased’s identity or relatives, is requested to contact Sergeant Consolacion Booysen or Captain Jacques Wilson,” SAPS said.

Members of the public can contact police on 082 553 6307, submit tips via the MySAPS App, or call the SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.

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Compiled by Betha Madhomu

 

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