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Man arrested over murder of Zimbabwean businessman in South Africa
7 hrs ago |
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A 56-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the murder of a Zimbabwean businessman and his friend, whose bodies were found with gunshot wounds outside Polokwane nearly a year ago.
The suspect was arrested by the South African Police Service (SAPS) Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit following what police described as lengthy and intensive investigations into the double murder that occurred in August 2025.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the suspect was arrested in Diepkloof, Gauteng, and is believed to be linked to the killings.
"It is alleged that on August 17, 2025, a well-known 37-year-old Zimbabwean businessman and his 27-year-old friend travelled to Dendron to purchase stock including liquor and live chickens," Mashaba said.
Police said the two men were travelling along the R521 towards Marowe village when they were allegedly kidnapped by four unidentified men travelling in a white Toyota Avanza.
Their bakkie, which was carrying the goods they had purchased, was later found abandoned in Ga-Semenya village in Moletjie, outside Polokwane.
The following day, the bodies of the two victims were discovered along a gravel road adjacent to the R37 under the Westenburg policing area.
"On August 18, 2025, the bodies of the two victims were discovered with gunshot wounds along a gravel road next to the R37 public road under the Westenburg policing area," Mashaba said.
A double murder case was opened at Westenburg Police Station before being transferred to the Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit for further investigation.
Police said the arrest followed months of investigations that eventually led detectives to the 56-year-old suspect.
"Following lengthy and intensive investigations, police traced and arrested a 56-year-old male suspect at Diepkloof in Gauteng Province. The suspect is linked to the two counts of murder," Mashaba said.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Polokwane Magistrate's Court on Monday, July 27, where he will face two counts of murder.
Police said investigations into the case are continuing and did not rule out the possibility of further arrests.
The suspect was arrested by the South African Police Service (SAPS) Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit following what police described as lengthy and intensive investigations into the double murder that occurred in August 2025.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the suspect was arrested in Diepkloof, Gauteng, and is believed to be linked to the killings.
"It is alleged that on August 17, 2025, a well-known 37-year-old Zimbabwean businessman and his 27-year-old friend travelled to Dendron to purchase stock including liquor and live chickens," Mashaba said.
Police said the two men were travelling along the R521 towards Marowe village when they were allegedly kidnapped by four unidentified men travelling in a white Toyota Avanza.
Their bakkie, which was carrying the goods they had purchased, was later found abandoned in Ga-Semenya village in Moletjie, outside Polokwane.
"On August 18, 2025, the bodies of the two victims were discovered with gunshot wounds along a gravel road next to the R37 public road under the Westenburg policing area," Mashaba said.
A double murder case was opened at Westenburg Police Station before being transferred to the Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit for further investigation.
Police said the arrest followed months of investigations that eventually led detectives to the 56-year-old suspect.
"Following lengthy and intensive investigations, police traced and arrested a 56-year-old male suspect at Diepkloof in Gauteng Province. The suspect is linked to the two counts of murder," Mashaba said.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Polokwane Magistrate's Court on Monday, July 27, where he will face two counts of murder.
Police said investigations into the case are continuing and did not rule out the possibility of further arrests.
Source - IOL
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