Update: Burnt bodies possibly linked to Elandslaagte Kidnapping
In a shocking turn of events, the police have stated that there may be reason to believe the two burnt bodies discovered under a bridge on Van Dyksdrift road, belong to two men who were reported missing last week.
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The men, Thembeni Mguni (29) and Wanda Mahlangu (21), were allegedly assaulted and kidnapped after being accused of stealing livestock from a farm in Elandslaagte near Middelburg.
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Two men were initially arrested for kidnapping and assault.
On Wednesday, police arrested two more suspects in connection with the case.
ALSO READ: Burnt bodies found in a bag on Van Dyksdrift road
Three of the men; Reinhardt Steyn, his security guard Chriswell Dumisani Masilela, and Dumisani Luthuli appeared today in the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court on charges of kidnapping and assault.
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Their bail application has been postponed to September 10.
ALSO READ: Farmer and security guard accused of kidnapping and assualt appear in court
Mpumalanga police released a statement on Thursday evening, revealing that they had received an anonymous tip earlier in the day.
“The information was followed by the team, and during this time, the two burnt bodies were found under the bridge,” read the statement.
A VW Citi Golf, suspected to belong to one of the victims, was also found near the scene.
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Acting Mpumalanga police spokesman, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, said two counts of murder could potentially be added against the suspects as the investigation continues.