Suspect arrested after body of missing Potchefstroom woman found in Carletonville

The two-week search for a Potchefstroom, North West woman who went missing after work has ended in tragedy after her body was discovered in bushes in Carletonville, Gauteng.

A 29-year-old Mozambique foreign national is expected to appear before the Oberlhozer Magistrates’ Court in Carletonville on Tuesday in connection with the alleged murder of 26-year-old Nomsa Jas. 

Jas went missing in Potchefstroom, body found in Carletonville

Jas went missing on Sunday, 25 August, after she left her place of work in Potchefstroom.

According to North West and Gauteng police, a missing person inquiry was registered at Potchefstroom police station on Monday, 26 August.

Her family also took to social media, asking people to help find Jas after she was like seen leaving work at Dischem at MooiRivier Mall in Potchefstroom.

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“I never thought one day I’d be one to post this,” Jas’ cousin posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Jas’ Volkswagen Polo Vivo vehicle was later found at a mall in Springs, Gauteng.

Partially decomposed body discovered in bushes

The police said a joint operation between the North West and Gauteng police led to the arrest of the suspect, and the partially decomposed body of Jas was discovered on Sunday, 8 September, in the bushes along the R501 road at Blybank, in Carletonville.

The suspect was arrested and charged with kidnapping, robbery and murder.

Investigations into the matter, including searching for the other suspect, are underway, the police confirmed.

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The provincial police commissioners of North West and Gauteng, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena and Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, welcomed the arrest and indicated that no stone will be left unturned to ensure that justice is served.

The commissioners also applauded the team members for their tireless efforts that led to the breakthrough.

Pakistani businessman rescued after kidnapping ordeal, three arrested

Meanwhile, a South African citizen and two Mozambicans were arrested on Sunday following the kidnapping of a Pakistani businessman and the murder of another.

The two business partners came under attack at their hardware store in Ennerdale on 27 August.