Limpopo police reported a grim discovery as the decapitated and decomposing body of Magdeline Motlanthe, a woman reported missing in Westenburg, was found in a shallow grave in Zebediela. The investigation revealed that Magdeline was kidnapped from her residence, later murdered, and buried by suspects closely related to her along Roedtan Road in Zebediela. Shockingly, the body of a young man previously discovered in a shallow grave in Apel earlier this month was identified as Magdeline’s son.
Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, police spokesperson, disclosed that both bodies were dismembered. A foreign national and another suspect related to the mother and son were arrested by the police investigation team. The suspects face charges of double murder, house robbery, and kidnapping, and are expected to appear in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court soon.
The 56-year-old victim, Magdeline Motlanthe, had been last seen on January 8, 2024, leaving her home in Ivy Park extension 19 to Pretoria, driving her white Toyota Hilux. Her family reported her missing when she did not reach her destination, leading to investigations and the subsequent arrests.
Provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, unequivocally condemned the horrific incidents. The arrested individuals were scheduled to appear before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. Police urged anyone with additional information to contact Crime Stop on 086 001 0111 or visit the nearest police station or use the My SAPS App.