Two Nigerian Nationals Arrested for Kidnapping and Murder of Mpumalanga Man

Swift Arrests in Mpumalanga Kidnapping and Murder Case

Lydenburg residents were left reeling after the tragic discovery of Gift Combrinck’s body, a 49-year-old man from Kellysville, just two days after he was reported missing. The South African Police Service (SAPS) responded rapidly, arresting two Nigerian nationals, Thinedu Chukwu, 39, and Ikena Obi, 43, in connection with the crime.

SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Thulisile Magagula confirmed that the case began when Combrinck was reported missing on 23 September 2025. “Tragically, on 25 September, his body was found near De Clerq Street in Lydenburg. Preliminary investigations suggest he was kidnapped,” said Magagula. Both suspects have since been formally charged with kidnapping and murder.

Court Proceedings and Investigation

The accused made their first appearance at the Mashishing Magistrate’s Court. The case has been postponed to 2 October 2025 to verify the suspects’ travel documents and allow investigators additional time to gather evidence.

Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, acting provincial SAPS commissioner in Mpumalanga, praised the swift police action. “We trust that justice will prevail and that a thorough investigation will be conducted,” he said, reassuring the community that authorities are taking the case seriously.

A Growing Concern Over Kidnappings

This latest case echoes a disturbing trend in Mpumalanga. Last year, 30-year-old Polosho Milimi was convicted of kidnapping, murder, theft of a motor vehicle, and escape from lawful custody following an investigation by the Hawks. The case had begun in 2020 when a missing person report led authorities to Milimi’s residence, where they recovered the missing person’s vehicle and ammunition.

Experts say the recurrence of such violent crimes highlights the need for vigilant policing and community awareness, especially in smaller towns where rapid responses can mean the difference between life and death.

Community Reaction

Social media users in Mpumalanga expressed shock and outrage over Combrinck’s death. Many called for stricter policing of kidnappings and better community safety measures. One resident tweeted: “Lydenburg is a small townthese crimes shake the community. The police need to stay on top of this.”

Others highlighted the challenges faced by law enforcement in investigating crimes involving foreign nationals, stressing the importance of cross-border cooperation.

As SAPS continues its investigation, the community waits for justice for Gift Combrinck. The arrests of Chukwu and Obi are seen as a significant step in holding perpetrators accountable and deterring similar crimes in the region. For Mpumalanga, the case underscores both the persistent threat of violent crime and the critical role of swift, coordinated police action.

{Source: The Citizen}

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