The case against two men accused of the kidnapping and murder of a Pretoria east resident has been postponed to February 20 to allow them to appoint lawyers.

Skhumbuza Dlamini (32) and Sizwe Nkosi (30) allegedly kidnapped and murdered Adriaan Theunis van Lingen (64) on Monday.

They were arrested two days later and appeared in the Vereeniging Regional Court on Thursday.

Van Lingen was reported missing on Monday when he failed to return to his Wingate Park Golf Estate home from a meeting in Olifantsfontein, Ekurhuleni. He was expected home by 17:00.

When his security provider was informed, it discovered the tracking devices on his white double-cab Ford Ranger and cellphone were disabled, causing his family extreme worry.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Pretoria spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana says Dlamini, a Swazi national illegally in the country, and his accomplice, face charges of murder, kidnapping and robbery with aggravating circumstances.

“Nkosi is facing additional charges of possession of an unlawful firearm and ammunition and a charge of being in the country illegally.”

Mahanjana says authorities believe Van Lingen was kidnapped en route to Olifantsfontein.

She adds that R500 000 was transferred from his account to an unknown account, and later a further R200 000 and R250 000 were transferred to a car dealership.

“In the evening, his bank card was used to make a purchase of R2 000 at a tavern in Tembisa.”

Mahanjana says a day after Van Lingen was reported missing, police investigators discovered his body in Klipriver, in the Vaal.

“Later that day, his bakkie was found burnt on a plot in De Deur, a small town near Johannesburg. Two more yet unidentified vehicles were found.

“The accused were arrested in Tembisa after they were linked to the purchase at the tavern.”

Mahanjana says the NPA intends to oppose bail.

Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi says Van Lingen last communicated with his family at 13:50 on Monday.

Van Lingen sustained gunshot wounds, she adds.

A firearm with ammunition, police reflector jackets and a cap were recovered, says Nevhuhulwi.

“The recovered firearm will be subjected to ballistic testing to confirm if it was used for the crime or any other serious crimes.”