Police arrest suspect after Emzinoni man reported missing found murdered

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested a 29-year-old suspect in connection with the murder of a man who had been reported missing. The arrest took place in Emzinoni, Mpumalanga, on Wednesday, 2 September 2026.

Missing man last seen at Milan Park home

The victim, Bongani Mathews Mlambo (42), was last known to have been at his residence in Milan Park, Emzinoni, between 25 and 26 August 2026. Police spokesperson Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe said Mlambo’s colleagues became concerned after he failed to report for duty and could not be reached telephonically.

Colleague’s check raised alarm

One of Mlambo’s colleagues went to his home to check on his whereabouts. “Upon arrival, both gates were found locked. Access to the property was gained, where it was observed that the garage door appeared to have been tampered with. Nonetheless, Mlambo could not be found at the residence,” Nonyane-Mpe said.

Investigation and arrest

Police deployed maximum resources during an intensive investigation into Mlambo’s disappearance. Captain Nonyane-Mpe said the team “cornered the suspect, by the name of Tshepo Mokoena, in connection with the murder.”

Court appearance

The suspect appeared at the Bethal Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 01 September 2026, and was remanded in custody until Tuesday, 08 September 2026, for a bail hearing.

Provincial police response and ongoing probe

Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise, the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, praised investigators. She was quoted as saying:

“We welcome the progress made by our investigators in this matter, and we are adamant that they will get to the bottom of what led to this brutal murder. We are trusting that the team will leave no stone unturned. Should there be other outstanding suspects, then they too will be brought to justice. We further appeal to anyone with any information that may assist the team to come forward and share such information with the Police.”

The investigation is continuing.