Cape Town – The remains of a 23-year-old man who went missing in July last year have been found cemented inside a huge pipe next to a river in his home village Mafefe in Limpopo.
The man was reported missing from his village in July last year and his remains were found on Wednesday, police said.
A 41-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the kidnapping and murder of the deceased, Limpopo police spokesperson, Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said in a statement.
Mojapelo said the arrest was carried out after the remains of the victim were found.
“On Saturday, 30 July 2022 at about 18:00, the victim Kwena Mokoka disappeared mysteriously after he went outside the house to answer a phone call. He didn’t return and family members searched for him and even called his phone but it was off,” said Mojapelo.
The matter was reported to the police and search operations for him began but never yielded positive results.
#sapsLIM Suspect (41) arrested on 17/01 in connection with the kidnapping and murder of a man (23) who was reported missing from Mafefe in July last year. The remains of the victim were found cemented in the pipe next to the local river. NPhttps://t.co/jLuq3eR42r pic.twitter.com/Lfc10b2KCs
— SA Police Service ?? (@SAPoliceService) January 20, 2023
“The SAPS task team responsible for investigating missing persons and occult cases throughout the Limpopo province took over the investigations and made a breakthrough in arresting the suspect.
“After months of searching, the investigating team was able to positively link the suspect to the incident. As the investigation continued, the deceased’s remains were located inside a pipe that was cemented near the local river,” said Mojapelo.
The remains were exhumed, with assistance from the SAPS water wing, Polokwane emergency services personnel and Lebowakgomo fire department equipment.
Police said the police investigation would determine the motive for the murder.
Meanwhile, DNA tests would be conducted for conclusive identification of the deceased, as well as a post-mortem to determine the cause of death.
Provincial commissioner of police General Thembi Hadebe commended the investigative team for the breakthrough and arrest of the suspect.
The suspect was due to appear in the Lebowakgomo Magistrate’s Court on Friday, on a charge of kidnapping and murder.
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Picture: Twitter/ @SAPoliceService
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Compiled by Olwethu Mpeshe
