Sea Park men arrested for kidnapping
DNA samples will be analysed in order to determine the identity of the remains.
THE family of missing man Pradeep Mahabeer (59) is anxiously awaiting DNA testing to confirm if the body found near Umkomaas is his.
Jean-Pierre Haggard (24) and Riaan Marais (27), both from Sea Park, have appeared in the Port Shepstone Magistrate’s Court, charged with man-stealing (kidnapping), theft, robbery and murder. They remain in custody.
Police spokesman Captain Vincent Pandarum, said Port Shepstone detectives were investigating the theft of two flat screen TV sets from a house in Umtentweni in June.
“Marais was taken in for questioning and the investigation took a surprising turn, leading investigators to another suspect and the missing man, who has not been seen since July 2.
“Mr Mahabeer’s VW Golf was found in Gauteng. Port Shepstone police contacted Thembisa SAPS who arrested Haggard in Kempton Park last Wednesday and recovered the vehicle. Marais was arrested last Friday,” said Capt Pandarum.
Marais led detectives to a secluded site in the bushes close to the Umkomaas river. Skeletal remains were recovered and taken to the Port Shepstone state mortuary. Tissue samples were obtained for forensic analysis in order to positively identify the body.
The case is being investigated by Detective Warrant Officer Jabulani Mdluli of the Port Shepstone SAPS Detective Service.
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