A suspect has appeared in court for the kidnapping and murder of a Middleburg businessman, Muhammad Nasir. His body was later found in the boot of a car.
A police manhunt continues for at least four more suspects linked to the case.
Nasir, who was the owner of the Welcome Cash and Carry and Welcome Foods in Middelburg, was abducted in Eastdene shortly after he had returned from Asr salaah (late afternoon prayers) at the local mosque.
His body was discovered in the boot of a silver Audi abandoned on a farm along the N11 near the Hendrina Road, about 25km outside Middleburg. The vehicle was recovered through a coordinated effort involving police, private security and emergency responders.
According to Middleburg Observer, video footage handed to police and reviewed by the publication reportedly showed Nasir being shot twice in the boot of the vehicle by one of the suspects, using what appears to be an AK-47 automatic rifle.
The footage also allegedly showed a bullet ricocheting and striking one of the suspects in the leg, as well as an individual wiping blood from the rear of the Audi. Police are treating the footage as key evidence in the investigation.
Bystanders reportedly saw suspects fleeing on foot after the incident. A drone was later used during a coordinated operation that led to the arrest of one suspect.
Investigators believed at least five men had been involved in the abduction, including the driver of the Audi, while others were still at large.
Police have also indicated that a white Toyota may have been linked to the incident and could have been used during the suspects’ movements.
Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane confirmed that a manhunt was ongoing for the remaining suspects as investigations continued.