Botshabelo, Free State — What began as a horrifying kidnapping case has ended in tragedy, with the lifeless body of 32-year-old Sello Mokhele recovered from the Modder River in the Rustfontein area. The incident, which has shocked the Botshabelo community, is now being investigated as a murder case, following the arrest of nine suspects.

According to a police report, on Tuesday, 1 July 2025, a 30-year-old man walked into Boithuso Police Station to report a terrifying ordeal. He stated that on Monday, 30 June 2025, he and two other men, including Sello Mokhele, were kidnapped by a group of unidentified males. The victims were allegedly transported to the remote Modder River area in Rustfontein, where they were stripped naked and brutally assaulted using their hands and various objects.

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While two of the victims were later dumped outside Botshabelo, Sello did not return.

His sudden disappearance prompted his family to report him missing, which escalated the case to a high-priority investigation.

A dedicated search team consisting of the Mangaung Metro Crime Combating Unit and Crime Intelligence officers from Selosesha was swiftly deployed. The search efforts focused on the Modder River, where, to the community’s heartbreak, the body of Sello Mokhele was eventually retrieved by police divers.

Following leads developed through crime intelligence, a targeted raid led to the arrest of nine suspects, aged between 25 and 46. They now face multiple charges, including Kidnapping, Assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and Murder.

The suspects are expected to appear at the Botshabelo Magistrate’s Court soon.

This chilling incident has raised questions about the motive behind the attack and whether this was a case of mob justice gone wrong. Police investigations continue.

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