Investigation into the burnt body of Malcolm Pather leads to arrests
Image: Supplied
Police have arrested two suspects in connection with a badly burnt body - believed to be that of missing 41-year-old Malcolm Pather found in Melkbosstrand.
Pather was reported missing by his brother-in-law on July 15 and according to Facebook posts appealing for help to track him down, the Richwood man was last seen leaving his home in his Blue BMW 1 Series vehicle on July 13.
His phone was switched off that same day, and while his car was later found in Mitchells Plain, he was nowhere to be found.
It is alleged that before he was found dead, he booked a sex worker in Table View, but instead walked into a trap.
He was allegedly ambushed and extorted before things turned deadly.
A bakkie was then stolen in Goodwood and set alight, however, was set alight again in Melkbosstrand a second time, with Pather's body discovered on the back.
Some more digging revealed that this particular bakkie was stolen in Goodwood between July 12 and July 13 and set alight, but then burned out a second time with the body on the back.
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk explained: 'The body of a male found was burnt beyond recognition. All leads were followed up on evidence found on the crime scene and a possible person of interest was identified.'
According to sources, evidence found at the crime scene led to a potential suspect who was identified on video footage in possession of Pather's vehicle.
The sources further stated that the vehicle was seen on video footage at a petrol station in Melkbosstrand dropping off a male suspect who was seen buying petrol in a container.
Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the tragic murder of 41-year-old Malcolm Pather.
Image: SAPS
'On Friday 25 July the address of the suspects were identified and on the same day a 39-year-old female was taken in for questioning," added Van Wyk.
'After she was arrested, she was admitted to hospital after a suicide attempt and remained in custody.
'On Monday 28 July a male suspect aged 39 was arrested at Cape Town Magistrate Court by members attached to Melkbosstrand CID.'
He added that both suspects are facing charges of murder and are expected to appear at the Atlantis Magistrates Court today, however that additional charges will be added after consultation with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA.)
The Cape Argus sister newspaper the daily Voice reached out to Melksbosstrand Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairperson Trevor Courtney, however he informed us that he cannot comment on the matter as it is under investigation.
Anyone with further information about the incident is requested to contact the investigating officers of Melkbosstrand SAPS Detectives Sergeant Theys on 072 560 2512 and Sergeant Pietersen 082 469 6277, Bothasig SAPS Detective Sergeant Jaftha 064 775 7492. Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.
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