Tebogo Msimanga |
A 41-year-old suspect is behind bars following the kidnapping and murder of a 23-year-old man who was reported missing from his village of Mafefe under Malipsdrift policing area in July last year. This is after the remains of the victim were found cemented in the pipe next to the local river on Wednesday 17 January 2023.
Limpopo Police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said 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. The matter was reported to the Police and search operations never yielded any positive results”.
Mojapelo added that after months of searching, the investigating team was able to positively link the suspect with the incident. “As the investigation continued, the deceased’s remains were located inside a pipe that was cemented near the local river. The remains were exhumed with assistance from the SAPS Water Wing, Polokwane Emergency Services personnel and Lebowakgomo fire department equipment”.
The motive behind the incident will be determined through ongoing police investigations. The Provincial Commissioner has commended the investigating team for finally succeeding in arresting the suspect and recovering the remains, which will assist the family to have closure.
Meanwhile, Limpopo Police Commissioner General Thembi Hadebe commend the team for finally arresting the suspect and recovering the remains of the victim.
The suspect will appear in the Lebowakgomo Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 20 January 2023, facing a charge of kidnapping and murder.
