On Monday, 26 January 2026, police arrested three suspects for the kidnapping and murder of 46-year-old Vulindlela Mgolombane, who disappeared in January 2023.
The victim was reported missing after failed contact attempts. The case became a murder investigation when over R1 million was transferred from his account post-disappearance.
The Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 2 Trio Task Team, with Crime Intelligence, traced and arrested two primary suspects—the victim’s niece and her boyfriend—and an accomplice in Kanana Village, Rustenburg. The suspects had fled to Gauteng and the Eastern Cape.
Police allege the victim was strangled after a dispute. His body was placed in his vehicle and later disposed of in bushes near Mosenthal. An accomplice allegedly assisted for a promised payment. A decomposed body found in Boitekong on 25 January 2023 awaits DNA confirmation.
The accused—Bafana Christopher Kgaladi (32), Kgomotso Rapoo (27), and Nomhle Pretty Jack (27)—face charges of murder, kidnapping, theft, fraud, and defeating the ends of justice. They appeared in Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court on 29 January 2026 and were remanded in custody until their next appearance on 02 February 2026.
Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo commended the task team’s dedication.