THE number of suspects arrested for the alleged kidnapping and murder of former Golden Arrows star, Bhekisizwe Nkosi has increased to seven.
The seven suspects appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court on Monday, 8 January and they were not asked to plead. The case was postponed to 1 February 2024 for bail application and the suspects will remain in custody.
Following the arrest of two suspects on Wednesday, 3 January, cops managed to arrest four more suspects on Friday, 5 January, while the seventh suspect was arrested on Sunday, 7 January.
Residents from Katlehong had come out in big numbers to attend the court proceedings and sang outside the court in support of Bhekisizwe's family.
But the courtroom was so packed other residents had to peep through the small window when the suspects appeared. One of the suspects was seen blowing kisses at one of his relatives, who responded by blowing kisses back.
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The angry residents said they want justice for Bhekisizwe, who was known as Shakira. They alleged that one of the suspects was a drug dealer.
One of the residents said:
Bhekisizwe, who played for Arrows in the Premier Soccer League 2012/2013 season, allegedly went missing on 25 December 2023.
The 34-year-old was found dead on 29 December 2023 and was buried on Wednesday, 3 January.
A family member told Daily Sun Bhekisizwe's body was collected on Tuesday, 2 January, but it was in a bad state, so the family was advised to bury him on Wednesday, 3 January.
Acting Katlehong police spokesman Captain Phuthutshedzo Mutondi said Katlehong cops, with the help of an anti-crime unit, Thathazonke, the district task team and the provincial task team arrested six suspects on charges of kidnapping and murder.
"The suspects were arrested in connection with the death of a 34-year-old man, who had gone missing on 25 December 2023.
"The deceased had been reported missing at Katlehong SAPS and a case of kidnapping was registered with the police. On 29 December 2023, the body of a man was discovered in a dam in Thokoza.
"Preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased was assaulted and kidnapped. Subsequently, he was allegedly killed and thrown in the dam by the suspects," said Mutondi.
He said the matter was handed over to the provincial team for further investigation.
