Suspect arrested after missing Joburg women found dead in mine shaft

Police have confirmed a man has been arrested after being found in possession of items belonging to two Joburg women who were found dead in an old mine shaft.

The man, who was arrested at a nearby informal settlement, appeared at Vereeniging Magistrate’s Court on Monday and was remanded in custody.

Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo told The Citizen that three more men have been taken in for questioning on the house robbery, kidnapping and theft of motor vehicles case.

A case of murder has also been opened at De Deur Police Station and is being investigated.

Women found dead after farm robbery

Mother and daughter, Cecilia Johanna Flemming, 82, and Hester Flemming, 52, were reported missing after the incident that is believed to have occurred at a farm on Caymen Road near the Eye of Africa estate between 10pm on Friday and 4am on Saturday.

Private investigator Mike Bolhuis first broke the news that the pair were found deceased in an opencast mine in Eikenhof on Monday.

Bolhuis said that “every lead was pursued, with countless hours dedicated to the case”, until the bodies were discovered.

“Since the incident was reported on Saturday, 26 October 2024, numerous teams from Saps, SSS, National Crime Agency (NCA), community forums, Community Policing Forums (CPFs) from surrounding areas, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), security companies, family, friends, and community members have worked tirelessly searching for the victims,” he wrote on his private investigation website, Specialised Security Services (SSS).

“SSS extends our heartfelt condolences and prayers to their family and friends during this difficult time.”

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Bolhuis explained that the house was ransacked and two vehicles were allegedly stolen.

He said one of the vehicles was recovered at a car wash in Thokoza on Saturday. The second vehicle, a metallic green Isuzu double-cab LDV, registration CB01WRGP, was reported to be still missing.

“We suspect that the two women were taken by the [intruders]. No ransom demands or other communication have been made by the [intruders] or the victims at this time,” Bolhuis said on Sunday.

It is understood the two women had been staying alone at the residence when the attack occurred. Private investigator Antoinette Coetser, who had been hired by the family to locate the women, said multiple teams had been looking for the pair.

“The farm is far from surrounding properties, so the neighbours couldn’t have heard or seen anything, which makes it difficult,” Coetser said. It was still unclear how many suspects were involved.

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Additional reporting by Thando Nondywana