The police revealed on Tueday that DNA results confirmed the identity of Sam Mbatha (24) whose burnt body was found inside a burnt Hyundai i20 vehicle at a soccer field in Klipgat near Brits in June last year.
Since the body was found at the same time as the disappearance of Mbatha, a well-known and talented marketing, brand and digital communications professional at the North West University (NWU), family and friends presumed it was him. He was killed during a suspected hate crime. Sam was an active member of the LGBTIQ+ community.
According to police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh, four men were arrested soon after the gruesome murder when investigations led the police team to a house in Klipgat where police found blood stains on the floor, under and on top of a bed as well as on the carpet. An axe suspected to have been used during the commission of this crime, was found on top of the roof of the house.
The four accused, Arthur Khoza (19), Thato Masetla (22), Junior Modise (21) and Mahlatsi Nkuna (21) will appear before the Ga-Rankuwa Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 18 January 2022 on a charge of murder.