Police in Bushbuckridge have arrested a 31-year-old suspect following the discovery of the body of a missing man in a shallow grave.
The body of Solomon Grans Madonsela, 54, was found buried in a shallow grave in Bushbuckridge. Madonsela had been reported missing at Masoyi Police Station on 4 May 2026 after he left home on 30 April 2026 driving his blue Volvo.
The suspect was arrested in the early hours of Sunday, 10 May 2026, at Violetbank Trust in Bushbuckridge. At the time of his arrest, he was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. Further investigation revealed that the firearm belonged to Madonsela.
A community member spotted the stripped vehicle belonging to the missing person inside the garage of a house at Violetbank Trust and immediately alerted police. Officers positively identified the vehicle as Madonsela’s. A subsequent search of the yard led to the discovery of a shallow grave.
Various police units, including forensic experts, were summoned to the scene. With the assistance of other role players, the grave was excavated, and the body of a man, covered in a blanket, was found. Family members identified the deceased as Madonsela.
The suspect is expected to appear at the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 11 May 2026, facing charges of murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.