Bloemfontein – Two people, one a minor, appeared in the Lindley Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday in connection with the hijacking and murder of a Bethlehem man.

“Elias Moeketsi Lichakane, 20, and a 17-year-old appeared and were denied bail,” said Free State police spokesperson Constable Sinah Mpakane.

The matter was postponed to 25 June for further investigation.

It relates to the murder of Thamsanqa Vumendlini, 48, who was a Democratic Alliance branch chairperson in Bohlokong at Bethlehem.

It was alleged Vumendlini was on his way from Senekal to Bethlehem when he stopped to give two people a lift on Friday, 6 June around 17:00.

On the way the two passengers apparently asked him to stop near Paul Roux. Vumendlini also stepped out of the vehicle and was attacked by his two passengers.

Police said he was stabbed with a knife and strangled with a chain.

He died on the scene.

The two accused were arrested in Arlington while driving Vumendlini’s vehicle.

SAPA