TRIO ARRESTED IN TWO-YEAR-OLD RUSTENBURG MURDER CASE

Platinum Weekly newspaper | Rustenburg — Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the kidnapping and murder of 46-year-old Vulindlela Mgolombane, who was reported missing in January 2023. Mgolombane was last heard from more than two years ago after attempts by family members to contact him failed. Investigations later revealed that shortly after his disappearance, more than R1 million was withdrawn and transferred from his bank account, raising suspicions of criminal involvement.

The case was investigated by the Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 2 Trio Task Team. Police identified the victim’s niece and her boyfriend as suspects, after which the pair allegedly fled the province. This led to a tracing operation across North West, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape, with assistance from Crime Intelligence.

On Monday, 26 January 2026, police arrested the two suspects together with an alleged accomplice in Kanana near Rustenburg.

According to police investigations, Mgolombane was allegedly strangled following a dispute. His body was reportedly placed inside his vehicle and later dumped in bushes near Mosenthal. The third suspect is alleged to have assisted in disposing of the body in return for a promised payment.

Police further confirmed that a decomposed body was discovered by a passerby in bushes at Boitekong on Wednesday, 25 January 2023. DNA analysis is still outstanding to formally confirm the identity of the remains.

Court appearance
The accused — Bafana Kgaladi (31), Pretty Nomhle Jack (27) and Kgomotso Rapoo (28) — appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday 29 January 2026.

The matter was postponed to 2 February 2026, and the accused were remanded in custody to allow them to consult with Legal Aid. They face charges including murder, kidnapping, theft, fraud and defeating the ends of justice.