Musina: In a turn of events, a 34-year-old man, believed to be behind the gruesome murder of his 29-year-old wife in the Free State, handed himself over to police in Musina on Friday, 24 January 2025, around midday. The suspect has been charged with murder, alongside a third suspect, aged 34, who initially misled police by claiming that the deceased’s husband had borrowed money from him and planned to cross into Zimbabwe for spiritual assistance. Further investigation revealed that this was untrue, and it was found that the 34-year-old suspect may have conspired with the husband in the murder. His licensed firearm was also seized as part of the investigation.

According to South African Police Service, the first suspect, aged 24, was arrested on Wednesday, 22 January 2025, at his residence in the Tshamutumbu policing area, after he was found in possession of two unlicensed firearms, including a hunting rifle with ammunition. He appeared before the Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 25 January 2025, and has been remanded in custody until 29 January 2025 for further investigations.

The couple, originally from Mutale in the Vhembe District, had been reported missing at Moroka SAPS in Gauteng. On 22 January, the body of the 29-year-old woman was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds in the bushes along the N1 in Kromdraai, Free State.

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, welcomed the arrests and commended all involved in the meticulous investigation. She also expressed her gratitude to the community for providing valuable information that assisted in the swift arrests of the suspects.

The two suspects will appear in Free State in due course to face charges of murder. More charges may be added as investigations are ongoing.