BURNT BEYOND RECOGNITION

POLICE have arrested two suspects in connection with a badly burnt body - believed to that of missing 41-year-old Malcolm Pather - found in Melkbosstrand. 

Pather was reported missing by his brother-in-law on 15 July 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 13 July. 

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 he had booked a sex worker in Table View on the day of his disappearance. Pather, though, apparently walked into a trap, with it being believed that he was ambushed and extorted before he was believed to be murdered and set alight. 

This after a body that was burnt beyond recognition was found on the back of a uitgebrande bakkie. 

Some more digging revealed that this particular bakkie was stolen in Goodwood between 12 July and 13 July 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 Daily Voice 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.

“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 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 this incident is kindly 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.