FOLLOW-UP: Wife, stepson are arrested for murder of Benoni businessman

There have been two arrests made in connection with the murder of Benoni businessman John Hamilton George Banks (62).

Captain Nomsa Sekele, the spokesperson for the Benoni Police Station, confirmed on January 22 that Banks’ 63-year-old wife and her 30-year-old son were arrested at the family’s Benoni Small Farms home.

“Following an extensive investigation, the two suspects were arrested on January 17,” said Sekele.

“The accused briefly appeared in the Benoni Magistrate’s Court on January 18 and were remanded in custody.”

News of the Boden Chem Group co-owner’s disappearance broke on July 19, when the Vulnerable Citizens Support Initiative stated he had been reported as missing.

At the time, the information indicated that he was last seen leaving his home at 07:00.

On July 20, members of the Bedfordview Police Station responded to a call at the Elandsfontein train station, where a burnt body had been found.

An inquest docket was opened.

“The following day, the victim’s burnt-out vehicle, a Land Rover, was found in Birchleigh,” said Sekele.

“After a forensic investigation, the remains found at the train station were positively identified as those of Banks.”

At the time, Norkem Park and Bedfordview SAPS were asked to transfer the two dockets relating to the separate crime scenes to the Benoni SAPS to centralise the investigation.

“Through thorough investigation, diligence and dedication, enough evidence was collected to warrant the arrest of the two suspects,” said Sekele.

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