Qian Lilong, a 59-year-old Chinese trader, was found dead in a forested area near Ngome on Thursday. Lilong had sustained multiple gunshot wounds.

His vehicle was noticed parked at the roadside, which had previously been seen in the same location earlier in the week. Officers investigating the scene saw blood stains near the vehicle, which ultimately led them to Lilong’s body in the nearby forest.

Lilong had been travelling with a crew member from Mandeni to Johannesburg, transporting plastic containers for sale at various shops along the route. Reports indicate that the tyres of their trailer had been punctured, forcing the pair to spend the night in their vehicle along the road. The crew member was not found at the scene when Lilong’s body was discovered. His personal firearm was reportedly missing.

On the same day, police received information from a reliable source about a man in his early 20s allegedly carrying a handgun and a bag containing a large amount of cash near a liquor store in the Jozini CBD. Officers located the individual and conducted a search, uncovering several allegedly stolen items.

The man was arrested. He remains in police custody as the authorities continue their investigation into the murder and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The efforts of whistle-blowers, community policing structures, the private security industry, and the community as a whole in the fight against crime are a clear reminder that policing cannot be effective alone. Only by joining hands can such challenges be confronted successfully.

This tragic incident has raised concerns among the local community about road safety and the security of travellers in remote areas. Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

The investigation is ongoing and police have confirmed that all lines of inquiry, including potential motives and links to criminal activity, are being thoroughly pursued.

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The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.