Photo: PIxabay
Four suspects to appear in court for kidnapping and murder
Police spokesperson said the suspects were covering up the crime saying that the victim had jumped into the river and drowned.
Photo: PIxabay
Four suspects have been arrested after the body of a 30-year-old man was found in the Olifants River by police divers on Thursday.
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VICTIM IDENTIFIED
The victim, identified as Roman Marobela’s was allegedly kidnapped and drowned by the four men.
Limpopo police say Marobela was earlier reported to have jumped into the river and drowned by people who were covering up the crime. Further investigations led to the arrest of the suspects who allegedly killed the victim before he was thrown into the river, says police spokesperson Motlafela Mojapelo.
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MAROBELA KIDNAPPED BY SUSPECTS ON WEDNESDAY
Mojapelo says according to information, on Wednesday, 22 February around 11:00 these suspects allegedly went to the victim’s father at Tswaing village in Magoleng Ga-Mphahlele, together with the victim who was bleeding.
“They alleged that his son had stolen money from them and he offered to pay them back on Saturday but they refused and left with the victim. The Police were informed after reports that the victim had jumped into the river.”
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“Upon receiving information from witnesses, police investigations led to the arrest of the suspects who had allegedly killed the victim before he was then thrown into the river,” Mojapelo added.
Mojapelo said that they were with the victim. “The suspects were ultimately arrested following a well-coordinated investigation that uncovered the whole scenario of a staged drowning.”
LIEUTENANT COMMENDS SWIFT ARREST
Limpopo Police Commission Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe praised the swift arrest of the four suspects. He said the speedy arrest of the men and the recovery of the victim’s body by the SAPS diving unit was commendable and should bring closure to the family.
“The matter is now in the hands of our courts to ensure that justice is not only done, but must be seen to be done,” said Hadebe.
The suspects will appear before the Thabamoopo Magistrate’s Court today.
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