Court interpreter kidnapped, murdered

Police are currently investigating charges of murder, hijacking and possession of stolen property after the body of the chief interpreter at the Middelburg Magistrates’ Court was discovered in a shallow grave in Gauteng after his son reported him missing in Middelburg.

Police spokesperson Captain Khanyisile Zwane confirmed that Izak (Ike) Mohlamonyane was reported missing at the Middelburg Police Station on 31 August by his son, Mmeli. Mohlamonyane (junior) became worried when a friend of his father contacted him to say that he could not get hold of him, and he himself could not reach him over the phone.

The deceased, who worked at the Middelburg Magistrates’ Court, rented a house in Mineralia. He is originally from Bronkhorstspruit, Middleburg Observer reported.

Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Kay Makhubele said police made a breakthrough when officers in Sunnyside in Pretoria were approached by a man informing them of a suspicious vehicle parked behind a building.

Upon investigating, police discovered the vehicle belonging to the deceased with a 24-year-old male inside.

After questioning the man, he led police to a deserted mine in Durban Deep near Roodepoort, where the deceased’s body was discovered buried in a shallow grave.

Information has it that Mohlamonyane was stabbed to death and his body was wrapped in a blanket when it was discovered.

It is also said that Mohlamonyane’s belongings, such as a laptop, were still inside his vehicle when it was recovered, ruling out the possibility that theft or robbery was the motive for his death.

Makhubele confirmed police are currently investigating charges of murder, hijacking and possession of stolen property. The 24-year-old suspect has already appeared in court.

– Caxton News Service

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