BREAKING NEWS – Eight up for kidnapping, murder of three

Police made a major breakthrough when they arrested eight suspects yesterday (Sunday) in connection with the alleged kidnapping and killing of three people earlier this month in the Dennilton area.
Provincial Police Spokesperson Moatshe Ngoepe indicated that the arrests follow the discovery of a torched Hyundai bakkie with three male occupants who were burnt beyond recognition in the bush at Naganeng Village outside Dennilton on 15 March.
The Police were informed by a passer-by and immediately attended the scene with emergency medical personnel.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were severely assaulted as there were several stones found on the scene before they were set alight.
The multidisciplinary task team comprised of Groblersdal Cluster Crime Intelligence Unit, K9 Unit, Dennilton Crime Information Analysis Centre (CIMAC), Tekkie Squad and detectives was established and conducted a sting operation which led to the arrest of eight suspects aged between 30 and 73 years at Mpheleng and Naganeng villages outside Groblersdal on Sunday.
The suspects were positively linked to the alleged kidnapping, killing and burning of the three people, according to Ngoepe.
The motive behind the brutal killing is still subjected to ongoing investigations but mob justice cannot be ruled out.
The deceased were identified as Owen Ncube (31), Salos Sithole (23) and Lovemore Basera (20).
The suspects are expected to appear in the Mdutjana Magistrate’s Court during the week. More arrests are expected.
Acting Provincial Police Commissioner Samuel Manala has applauded the team for a job well done.

Story: RC Myburgh