Mpumalanga man arrested after missing man found in shallow grave in Bushbuckridge

Discovery and arrest

Police in Bushbuckridge uncovered the shallow grave after a community member alerted officers to a stripped vehicle found inside the garage of a house at Violetbank Trust. On arrival, officers positively identified the vehicle as belonging to the missing man.

The suspect was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition during the arrest. Police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said the firearm belongs to the person who had been reported missing.

“He 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,”

Victim identified and investigation

The body was identified by family members as 54-year-old Solomon Grans Madonsela. 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.

Police said various units, including forensic experts, were summoned to the scene. With the assistance of other role players the grave was excavated and the body covered in a blanket was found.

Police response

Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended the investigators for the arrest and said the recovery of the deceased’s firearm “further strengthens the case against the accused.”

“I truly commend the swift and coordinated work of our investigators in Bushbuckridge. The arrest of the suspect, believed to be fingered in the murder of Mr Solomon Grans Madonsela, demonstrates our unwavering commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of violent crime are identified, arrested, and prosecuted,”

Investigations are continuing, and police said more arrests cannot be ruled out pending further enquiries.