A 31-year-old man is expected to appear in the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court today (May 11) on charges of murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

Mpumalanga News reports he was arrested yesterday (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.

Missing since April 30

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

According to Mpumalanga 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.

Body wrapped in blanket found

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.

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