LIMPOPO – Paulus Molwantwa (34) was arrested on Tuesday (September 27) after he was linked to an incident in which a farm worker was brutally killed and buried in a shallow grave.
The victim was reported missing on Sunday (September 25) after which the police in Mookgopong immediately commenced a search operation.
On Tuesday the police received information from a resident, who saw Molwantwa assault the victim with a pick handle.
The victim succumbed to his injuries, after which the suspect buried the body in a shallow grave in the bushes, according to the witness.
“An intensive search was conducted and resulted in the discovery of the shallow grave in the Waterberg district and the exhumation of the body, which was positively identified by a relative at the scene,” provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe confirmed.
An intelligence-driven joint operation led by detectives from Mookgophong SAPS and Modimolle Crime Intelligence Unit with the help of Reflex Security officers was launched and Molwantwa was arrested on one of the farms in the area, where he was found living with his girlfriend and child.
The alleged murder weapon and the wheelbarrow believed to be used during the crime were also discovered on the premises and seized.
Hadebe commended the Crime Intelligence Unit and detectives involved in the case and thanked the said security company for assisting the police.
“The work of our intelligence team is a game changer and they contribute enormously to the solving of difficult cases. This concerted effort of the men and women in blue is highly commendable. I’m convinced that the family shall find comfort as they lay down the remains of their loved one and at the same time allowing justice to prevail,” he said.
The suspect appeared in the Mookgophong Magistrate’s Court on Thursday (September 29) and will appear again in court on October 6 for formal bail application.
He faces a charge of murder and defeating the ends of justice.
