By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
The police in Lydenburg have arrested two Nigerian nationals, identified as Thinedu Chukwu(39) and Ikena Obi(43), for alleged kidnapping and murder on Wednesday 24 September 2025.
Speaking on behalf of the police in Mpumalanga, Sergeant Thulisile Magagula said reports indicate that a missing person case was opened after Gift Combrink(49) from Kellysville, in Lydenburg, was reported missing on Tuesday 23 September 2025. Combrink’s lifeless body was reportedly discovered near De Klerk street on Thursday 25 September 2025.
“ Preliminary investigations suggest that the victim was kidnapped, which led to the arrest of the two suspects. Both individuals have since been charged with kidnapping and murder.
“ The suspects appeared before the Mashishing Magistrate’s Court on 26 September 2025. The case was postponed to 2 October 2025 for the verification of their travel documents and to allow for further investigation,” said Sergeant Magagula.
The Acting Mpumalanga Provincial Police Commissioner, Major-General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has welcomed the arrests and expressed confidence in the ongoing investigation.
