Limpopo police have arrested two suspects, aged 27 and 32, following the recovery of the body of a 42-year-old man whose body was discovered floating at Arabie Dam, within the Elandskraal policing area, on Saturday.
The man, Jesaya Masha, was reported missing at Jane Furse Police Station in the Sekhukhune District.
Limpopo provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said Masha’s body was discovered floating at Arabie Dam, within the Elandskraal policing area, on Saturday.
He said Masha was reported missing after he allegedly left his home in Ga-Masha Village on Sunday, 16 August 2026, at approximately 5.39pm, travelling in a blue Hyundai motor vehicle.
“His family subsequently reported him missing, prompting police to circulate information regarding his disappearance and the vehicle.”
Ledwaba said the investigation took a significant turn when police received information that the missing man’s vehicle had allegedly been sold to a member of the public.
“The vehicle was subsequently handed over to the police for further investigation.”
He said follow-up investigations conducted by members of the Nebo Jane Furse Tracking Team, Nebo and Sekhukhune Detectives and the Sekhukhune Flying Squad led police to a 32-year-old suspect in Jane Furse.
The suspect was arrested on Friday, 21 August.
“During the investigation, police obtained information indicating that the victim had allegedly been kidnapped and murdered, and that his body had been disposed of in the Arabie Dam.”
Ledwaba said a multidisciplinary team was immediately mobilised to search the identified area.
He said on Saturday, the operational team, joined by the SAPS Water Wing and Emergency Medical Services, conducted an extensive search operation in the vicinity of the bridge at Arabie Dam.
“The search operation resulted in the discovery of the victim’s body in an advanced state of decomposition.”
He said the investigation continued, leading to the arrest of a second suspect, aged 27, in Jane Furse on Sunday morning.
“Both suspects are expected to face charges of kidnapping, murder and defeating the ends of justice.”
He said the two are expected to appear before the Sekhukhune and Groblersdal Magistrates’ Courts soon.
Ledwaba said police cannot rule out the possibility of further arrests as the investigation continues.
Meanwhile, Limpopo provincial police commissioner Provincial Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers commended the police members and all role players involved in the investigation and search operation for their swift response, persistence and co-ordinated efforts, which resulted in the arrests and recovery of the victim’s body.
Police urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Jacob Pilusa, on 082 772 9266, the nearest police station, Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or use the MySAPS App.
