Shock and confusion have gripped Mbombela following the kidnapping of three men in an apparent ransom plot, with burnt remains discovered days later along the R535 between Hazyview and Graskop. While speculation has linked the discovery to the missing men, police have cautioned that DNA testing is still under way and that the cases may not be connected.

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Kidnapping in Sudwala

On April 14, Gift Mkhomazi (21), his father Khasima Fredy Mkhomazi (69), and their colleague, Machawe Tsela, were kidnapped from their farmhouse near the Sudwala Caves. It is alleged that the suspects used Khasima’s white Isuzu double-cab bakkie during the incident. Shortly afterwards, Khasima’s daughter, Nomsa Mkhomazi, reportedly received a ransom demand of R10 000 for the safe release of the men.

The kidnapping is believed to be linked to a long-running mining dispute in the area, although this has not been officially confirmed by authorities.

Burnt bodies recovered

Nine days later, three burnt bodies were discovered along the R535. According to police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, a 29-year-old suspect led officers to the scene. He was later arrested and has been charged with kidnapping. He appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court yesterday, April 29, and has beenidentified as Van Rooi Mthobi Tsatsie. His case was postponed to May 4 to allow him time to obtain legal representation.

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On the day the bodies were discovered, Colonel Mavela Masondo stated that the remains could not yet be linked to any reported kidnapping cases in Mbombela. A murder case was opened and DNA testing is being conducted to establish the identities of the deceased.

Nomsa told Lowvelder that the family is awaiting official confirmation. A prayer service was held for her father and brother as relatives continue to hope for clarity.

“We wanted to thank God that their bodies have hopefully been found so that we can get closure,” she said.

While some media reports have suggested that the remains may belong to the kidnapped men, authorities have urged caution, stating that no official identification has been made. The family has also expressed concern over premature claims, and insists that they are awaiting verified results.

Separate kidnapping investigation under way

Police are also investigating the disappearance of a 55-year-old businessman whose identity has not been publicly released. While travelling home to Shandon Eco Reserve on April 14, it is alleged that the man’s vehicle was involved in a collision with a Volkswagen Polo shortly before he was forcibly removed at gunpoint.

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Reports indicate that a shot was fired during the incident, after which the suspects fled, with the victim, in the Polo. His daughter, who was in his vehicle at at the time of the incident, was not injured.

The Mpumalanga Hawks have confirmed that a kidnapping case has been registered and that they are assisting with the investigation. Police have declined to comment further, citing the sensitivity of the ongoing inquiry.

Authorities have emphasised that all possible links between the cases remain under investigation and forensic results are awaited.