A 31-year-old man was arrested today, May 10, after a body was discovered in a shallow grave in Violetbank Trust.

Police confirmed that the body of Solomon Grans Madonsela (54), who had been reported missing earlier this month, was found during a search of a property in the area.

The suspect was allegedly found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition at the time of his arrest. Further investigation revealed that the firearm belonged to Madonsela.

The suspect is expected to appear in the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court on May 11 on charges of murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

Madonsela was reported missing at Masoyi Police Station on May 4 after he left his home in his blue Volvo on April 30.

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According to police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo, a community member alerted authorities after spotting a stripped vehicle matching the description of Madonsela’s car inside a garage at a house in Violetbank Trust.

“On arrival, police positively identified the vehicle which belonged to the missing person. A further search of the yard led to the discovery of a shallow grave,” said Masondo.

Various police units, including forensic experts, were called to the scene. The grave was excavated and the body of a man, wrapped in a blanket, was found.

Madonsela was later positively identified by family members.

Police said further arrests cannot be ruled out as investigations continue.