The discovery of a body along the R711 road has led to the arrest of a 29-year-old man from Mashaeng near Fouriesburg, who turned himself in to local authorities on Sunday 7 July.
According to police spokesperson Mmako Mophiring, the body of Booi Azola Mkhondo (30), a teacher at Makabelane Technical School in Phuthaditjhaba, was found dumped between Clarens and Golden Gate. Mkhondo, reported missing earlier, was found by a Golden Gate National Park Officer who alerted the police.
Reports further show that Mkhondo was last seen with friends on Thursday 4 July.
“His friends came to Phuthaditjhaba police station to report him as a missing person on Saturday 6 July,” said Mophiring.
She added that his landlord confirmed seeing him that morning but did not encounter him afterwards.
Clarence police discovered Mkhondo’s body on Friday, 5 July, bearing multiple stab wounds. Mophiring mentioned that he was dressed in a white jacket, black jeans, and a blood-stained black golf shirt. Furthermore, his vehicle was later found abandoned in Vereeniging, adding to the mystery surrounding his death.
“The motive behind the alleged murder and the location of his vehicle is still unknown, however, police investigations continue,” Mophiring explained.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 9 July, facing a charge of murder.
Compiled by Justine Fortuin
