Police arrest man for kidnapping and murder of woman found in river

Police have arrested a 40-year-old suspect for kidnapping and murdering a woman in Limpopo.

It is understood the body of 26-year-old Venolia Skosana was found in an advance state of decomposition in the river at Khathazweni outside Hlogotlou police area on Thursday.

Missing

Police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said Skosana was reported missing on Saturday 31 December 2022 at about 2pm.

“A missing person file was opened at Hlogotlou Police Station and the police immediately commenced with the initial investigations which revealed that the victim was last seen at Holnek village in the Zaaiplaas policing area where she was attending an event,” Mojapelo said.

“The police team led by the Station Commander of Hlogotlou, Lieutenant-Colonel Ntoane Masuku, last night operationalised information received which led to the arrest of the suspect and discovery of the body.”

Court appearance

Mojapelo said the suspect is expected to appear in the Nebo Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

“He is facing charges of kidnapping and murder. More charges could be added.”

The Provincial Commissioner in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has welcomed the arrest and thanked the community for helping the police by providing information.

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Chopped body in toilet

Meanwhile, police in Thohoyandou have launched a manhunt for a suspect following the grim discovery of a 35-year-old woman who was found murdered in Mukula village on Tuesday.

Spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the victim, identified as Avhurengwi Rambuda, was allegedly last seen at her home in Mukula village on 30 December 2022.

“The victim’s body was discovered by a relative wrapped with a blanket and placed on the seat of an unused pit toilet. She was found chopped all over her body with a sharp object and her wrist was also missing,” said Ledwaba.

Information

“[The suspect] Azwimpheleli Mashau is requested by the police to avail himself at the nearest police station in order to assist with the investigations,” Ledwaba said.

Ledwaba urged anyone with anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspect to come forward.

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