Six bodies in Joburg: 20-year-old’s identity withheld, charged with one murder
The State’s current evidence links the suspect to one of the six bodies found at a building in the Johannesburg CBD on Sunday.
The man who was arrested following the horrific discovery of six women’s dead bodies in the Johannesburg CBD on Sunday, 9 October, made his first appearance in the local magistrate’s court on Tuesday.
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SIX BODIES FOUND IN JOHANNESBURG BUILDING
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said the 20-year-old cannot be named yet as he must still undergo an identity parade.
He faced one charge of premeditated murder in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court despite the number of bodies found at a panel beating business in Sprinz Avenue, Selby, Johannesburg on Sunday.
“Though six bodies were discovered, the accused is charged with one count of murder, as per evidence contained in the docket currently links the accused to one of the female bodies,” said Mjonondwane.
A caretaker at the premises was washing a car when he decided to investigate a foul odour that was coming from an unused building in the vicinity. He eventually found the body of the woman and immediately called the property owner.
“Once police arrived, and upon searching the premises, further five female bodies were discovered,” said the NPA.
The police’s preliminary investigation led to the 20-year-old. He is believed to be the last person one of the deceased women was seen with on 2 October at approximately 20:00.
“The clothes she was wearing match the description of one of the missing persons reported recently,” said Brigadier Brenda Muridili.
The bodies of the five other women were in a state of advanced decomposition and they will undergo forensic analysis for identification. According to reports, the bodies were bound from behind at their hands and feet.
The suspect is expected to return to court for bail proceedings on 18 October. In the meantime, the NPA has ordered that there be further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the women.
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