Four held for government official’s murder

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Published Jan 2, 2013

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Mankweng - Three teenagers and a man have been arrested following the murder of a senior Limpopo government official, police said on Wednesday.

They were arrested in Mankweng on Tuesday and charged with the murder of Ephraim Mashiane, 54, a director in the province's economic development, environment and tourism department, Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi said.

Mashiane went missing on September 1 last year. His burnt-out car was later found in Ga-Mothapo, about 35km east of Polokwane.

His body was found floating in Schoonoord dam in Sekhukhune, about 150km from the initial crime scene, a month after his disappearance. He been stabbed several times. It was suspected that he was hijacked before he was killed.

The four were arrested during an operation conducted by members of a police special task team.

The four, a 16-year-old, two 19-year-olds and one aged 20, were expected to appear in the Mankweng Magistrate's Court on Thursday on charges of kidnapping, hijacking and murder.

The motive for the killing was still unknown. - Sapa

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