POLICE in South Africa have arrested two more suspects in
connection with the murder of two Zimbabwean brothers, who were reportedly
abducted and tortured for several days before being shot dead and their bodies
dumped in a farm in Mpumalanga Province.
The suspects have been identified as Zimbabweans, Khumbula
Mpofu (47) and Zukile Nematodes (whose age was not given).
Police in South Africa confirmed the arrest saying the
suspects were arrested by detectives who were making a follow up on the issue,
as well as other crimes linked to the suspects. South Africa Police Service
(SAPS) spokesperson Captain Jeff Phora told Sunday News that the suspects would
appear in court tomorrow.
“The two suspects who are both Zimbabwean nationals are
expected to appear before the Booysens Magistrates’ Court south of Johannesburg
on Monday (tomorrow). They were apprehended by our detectives conducting
undercover investigations. The number now adds up to three suspects. They will
be charged with murder, carjacking, armed robbery, theft and kidnapping,” said
Capt Phora.
Brothers Sydney and Edmore Gwatsira, were found dead in a
farm in Mpumalanga, weeks after being reported missing in June this year. The
brothers ran a transport and freight company, where they owned buses and trucks
operating within South Africa.
According to a report, Mpumalanga provincial police
spokesperson Brigadier Leonard Hlathi said their bodies were discovered in a
decomposed state along the highway between Bronkhorstspruit and Delmas.
“I can confirm that there are two Zimbabweans who were
found dead in an area between Bronkhorstspruit and Delmas. Their bodies had
bruises, an indication that they could have been assaulted.
“Our investigations revealed that they were murdered in
Johannesburg and the suspects then dumped their bodies in Mpumalanga,” he said.
Circumstances surrounding the murder could not be
ascertained as investigations were still underway. Sources said the two
brothers disappeared on 26 June after failing to return home from work. They
are said to have used the same car on that particular day.
“It appears one of the suspects, believed to be a family
friend, lured Edmore to a secluded spot before they later used him as bait to
capture his brother Sydney.
“They asked Edmore to call his brother to come and pay
ransom and when he arrived at that particular place, they captured him too
before torturing them,” said the source.
The source said the suspects tortured the two brothers
before shooting them in their heads. Edmore was shot three times while Sydney
had a single bullet wound.
“After more than three weeks of being reported missing, a
farmer stumbled upon their bodies on July 10 and he informed the police,” said
the source. They had their feet and hands tied and the post-mortem report
stated that they were tortured to death. Sunday News
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