POLOKWANE - Four suspects aged between 23 and 38 were yesterday arrested for kidnapping and murder of a 30-year-old Roman Marobela whose bruised body was found in the Olifants River (Lepelle) by Police divers on Thursday, 23 February 2023 at Lebowakgomo policing area.

The victim was earlier reported to have unexpectedly jumped into the river and drowned by people who were apparently covering up the crime. Upon receiving information from witnesses, Police investigations led to the arrest of the suspects who allegedly killed the victim before he was thrown into the river.

According to information, on Wednesday, 22 February 2023 at around 11:00 these suspects allegedly went to the victim's father at Tswaing village in Magoleng Ga-Mphahlele, together with the victim who was bleeding. They alleged that his son had stolen money from them and he offered to pay them back on Saturday but they refused and left with the victim.

The Police were informed after reports that the victim had jumped into the river. The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe ordered that full investigations into the incident must be undertaken and that the culprits be hunted down and arrested as a matter of urgency.

The suspects were ultimately arrested following a well-coordinated investigations that uncovered the whole scenario of a staged drowning.

"The speedy arrest of the five men and the recovery of the victim's body by our diving unit is highly commendable and should bring closure to the family.The matter is now in the hands of our courts to ensure that justice is not only done but must be seen to be done" concluded Lieutenant General Hadebe.

The suspects will appear before the Thabamoopo magistrates' court on Monday 27 February 2023.

Source: South African Police Service