Four men have so far been arrested in connection with the murders of Hester Flemming (52) and her mother, Cecilia Johanna Flemming (82), in Eikenhof, south of Johannesburg.

The two women were reported missing after a home invasion at a property on Caymen Road, near the Eye of Africa Estate, which is believed to have occurred between 22:00 on Friday and 04:00 on Saturday.

Their bodies were found in an opencast mine in Eikenhof yesterday.

One suspect was arrested on Sunday morning. He was found in possession of some of the stolen property, which went missing during the home invasion.

Three more suspects were apprehended yesterday, and more stolen property was recovered.

The suspects led the police to an old, abandoned farmhouse – situated next to the Jackson informal settlement – with a large opencast mine at the back of it.

The property where the women’s bodies were found is allegedly used by zama zamas for illegal mining.

The bodies were discovered in a makeshift mineshaft, believed to have been dug by illegal miners, and brought to the surface.

The motive for the murders and robbery are yet to be determined.

According to a member of private investigator Mike Bolhuis’ task team, the suspects, if charged, may include robbery and theft, kidnapping and murder. The suspect in possession of the stolen goods can also be charged with possession of stolen property.

More charges can be laid at a later stage, depending on the outcome of the post-mortems.

The possibility that more suspects are involved cannot be ruled out.

Bolhuis, from Specialised Security Services, said every lead was pursued and countless hours were dedicated to the case.