Surprise Mqobi On Tuesday, Mkhwanazi was reported missing. His body was discovered in the Vaal River close to Standerton two days later. Three suspects have been arrested by the Mpumalanga police in connection with the incident, and one more has been brought in for questioning.
Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, a spokesman for the South African Police Service (SAPS), stated that after Mkhwanazi vanished, officers received information from members of the public.
According to the information, the deceased was abducted by suspects in a white BMW rather than simply dissapearing.
Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said:
“The details were followed by the investigators who cornered two suspects at Standerton yesterday, 21 July 2022. During the investigation, police learned that the victim was shot and killed. The astute members were led through information obtained from suspects to the body of Mkhwanazi in the Vaal River near Standerton”.
According to the police spokeswoman, Mkhwanazi’s body was slightly burned when it was pulled from the water. It has not yet been determined why he was killed.
On the same day in Sakihle, a third suspect was taken into custody. He was discovered in possession of a gun—possibly the murder weapon—and ammunition.
A white BMW and a white Mazda bakkie were among the two vehicles seized after they were allegedly used in the crime.
On Monday, July 25, the three suspects are scheduled to appear before the Standerton Magistrate’s Court on allegations of murder, kidnapping, thwarting the course of justice, and possessing a firearm and ammunition without a licence. However, as the investigation goes on, more charges may be added.
Mpumalanga police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Semakaleng Manamela, said:
“What has transpired after the victim was kidnapped should set an example of what must happen when someone witness a crime and what police ought to do so that at the end of the day, perpetrators are swiftly brought to account for their actions. No one should keep quiet when they have some kind of information because if they do, perpetrators will easily get away with murder in the true sense of the word”.