Three arrested for kidnapping, murder of Mpumalanga teacher
Three men, aged between 23 and 34, were arrested on Wednesday in connection with the kidnapping, carjacking, and murder of 60-year-old Sam Thabiso Maimela.
The high school teacher from Kwaggafontein in Mpumalanga was last seen on Friday evening.
Maimela's body was later discovered dumped in a secluded area near Gemsbokspruit, close to Tweefontein.
According to reports, Maimela had been driving his Haval SUV and had returned home, but as he was about to enter his property, he was allegedly approached by three suspects who kidnapped and hijacked him.
When family members were unable to reach him by phone, they reported the matter to the police.
A specialist investigation team launched a search operation.
On Saturday, authorities located Maimela’s vehicle using its tracker in KwaMhlanga, but he was not found at that time.
Relentless efforts by law enforcement led to the arrest of the three suspects.
A firearm with its serial number filed off and live ammunition were recovered during the arrest.
“It is through investigation that the team... The information was followed and the victim's body was found. The Forensic team together with all other roleplayers have been at the scene as part of the investigation,” said Mpumalanga police spokesperson Donald Mdhluli.
A post-mortem will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death, though it is suspected the victim was shot.
The motive behind the murder is still unclear and forms part of the ongoing investigation.
The suspects are expected to appear in the KwaMhlanga Magistrate's Court soon.
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