More than a month after Gift Mkhomazi (21), Khasima Fredy Mkhomazi (69), and their colleague, Machawe Tsela were kidnapped, their families have received confirmation that the DNA of human remains found near Graskop matched their relatives.

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The DNA testing was conducted by a private health institution appointed by the family.

Nomsa Mkhomazi, Gift’s sister, shared the news on Facebook:

“Friends, community and family, the DNA results are back and it has been confirmed that they are a match to my father, my brother and Mr Tsela,” she wrote.

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“We are relieved by this news. We can finally get closure,” Nomsa told Lowvelder.

She described her father as a family man who always helped people in the community and said her brother was a student at Tshwane University of Technology who aspired to become an electrical engineer.

Police, however, are still awaiting DNA results from the Department of Health. “The DNA results from the Department of Health are still outstanding. The family acquired the services of private health practitioners to conduct a separate analysis,” said police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo.

The three deceased’s burnt bodies were found along the R535 near Graskop on April 22. A suspect, Van Rooi Mthobi Tsatsie, allegedly led officers to the scene. He was later arrested and charged with kidnapping.

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The three men were initially kidnapped for ransom from their farmhouse near the Sudwala Caves on April 14. It is alleged that the suspects used Khasima’s white Isuzu double-cab bakkie during the incident.

A memorial service will be held at stand 718, in Mzinti, Mahushe, at 11:00 on Wednesday, May 20.