Update: Burnt bodies found in eMalahleni possibly linked to kidnapping

Police have said that the two bodies, burnt beyond recognition, found under a bridge in eMalahleni yesterday, could be those of the two men reported missing last week.

The remains were found inside a large woven polypropylene bag.

According to an article published by Middelburg Observer, 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.

Two men were initially arrested for kidnapping and assault.

Yesterday, police arrested two more suspects in connection with the case.

Three of the men – Reinhardt Steyn, his security guard Chriswell Dumisani Masilela, and Dumisani Luthuli – appeared in the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court yesterday on charges of kidnapping and assault. The fourth person cannot be named as he has not yet appeared in court in connection with this case as he was attending another court case in a Groblersdal court.

The trio’s bail application was postponed to September 10.

Last night, Mpumalanga police released a statement saying they received an anonymous tip-off earlier in the day.

“The information was followed by the team and during this time, the two burnt bodies were found under the bridge,” reads the statement.

A VW Citi Golf, suspected to belong to one of the victims, was found near the scene.

Acting Mpumalanga police spokesman Colonel Donald Mdhluli says two counts of murder could potentially be added to the charges as the investigation continues.