Johannesburg – A 30-year-old man arrested for the murder of 27-year-old IT Specialist Mahlaku Malebo Rabalao – whose remains were found in her burnt-out car in Midrand – will today appear in court for the first time.
South African Police Service Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said the suspect was arrested in KwaZulu-Natal on Friday, (28 July 2023).
The suspect’s arrest came just over four months after the University of the Witwatersrand graduate’s charred remains were recovered from her burnt-out car.
Colonel Masondo said investigations led to the arrest Rabalao’s boyfriend.
Narrating events leading to the discovery of Rabalao’s charred remains, Colonel Masondo said on the 7th of March 2023, at about 21:00, police received a call about a burning vehicle in Midrand.
“On their arrival, police found a Mercedes Benz that was on fire,” recalled Masondo.
“After the fire was extinguished, human remains were found in the front seat of the car.
“Police immediately conducted an investigation, and the deceased was identified.”
Colonel Masondo said the Gender-Based Violence docket was prioritised and transferred to the Provincial Investigation Unit, where it was assigned to a seasoned investigating officer.
“During the investigation, it transpired that the deceased was killed and burnt inside the vehicle, and the suspect is her boyfriend,” said Colonel Masondo.
“A warrant of arrest was issued by the Randburg Magistrate’s Court.
“The suspect was traced and arrested in KwaZulu-Natal on Friday, 28 July 2023.”
The arrested suspect will appear before Randburg Magistrate’s Court today, 31 July 2023, facing a charge of murder.
