Winterveldt Muti Murder Case: Third Arrest Brings Chilling Details to Light

A missing woman, a gruesome find

What began as a missing persons case in November 2023 has now unravelled into one of the most disturbing multi-murder investigations in recent years. The victim, 20-year-old Gontse Makhubela, vanished late last year. Months later, her mutilated, partly burnt, and decomposed body was found dumped at a refuse site in Elandskraal, Brits.

At the weekend, police announced the arrest of a third suspect after discovering human organs stored in buckets in a Winterveldt backyard. North West police spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone confirmed the remains belonged to Makhubela.

The investigation’s breakthrough

On 6 August, the North West district’s serious and violent crimes team arrested two men, aged 29 and 38, allegedly linked to the murder after Makhubela’s cellphone was recovered.

Investigators believe the 29-year-old suspect lured the young woman under false pretences, acting on the instructions of the 38-year-old, an illegal Mozambican national claiming to be a traditional healer. Police allege the older suspect sought a woman fitting a specific “profile” so her organs could be harvested for muti.

The 38-year-old is accused of ordering her kidnapping, murder, dismemberment, and partial burning. Both suspects now face charges of murder, kidnapping, violating a corpse, and, in the case of the older suspect, contravening South Africa’s Immigration Act.

Third suspect in custody

The latest arrest is another traditional healer from Mozambique. He was found in possession of Makhubela’s organs and is set to appear in the Garankuwa Magistrate’s Court. The other two suspects will face the Brits Magistrate’s Court. Police say further arrests are possible.

A wider problem that won’t go away

Criminologist Dr Witness Maluleke warns that muti killings remain a persistent and organised form of violent crime in South Africa, often involving cooperation between locals and foreign nationals. Despite community outrage, he says deterrent measures remain limited.

Meanwhile, police confirmed there have been no arrests in another chilling case: the dumping of four bodies between two train stations in Silverton, Pretoria, during June and July.

A community on edge

The Winterveldt arrests have sparked fear and anger in the surrounding communities, where muti killings are a deeply sensitive issue. While traditional healing is a respected and legal practice in South Africa, the use of human body parts in rituals is illegal and condemned by both cultural leaders and law enforcement.

The arrests, and the disturbing details that have emerged, highlight once again the need for stronger monitoring of criminal networks exploiting cultural beliefs for profit and violence.

Also read: Family Triumphs in Court Over Unfair Eviction from Farm Home

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Source: The Citizen

Featured Image: Pexels