By Doreen Mokgolo
Seven suspects appeared before the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on Monday for the murder of the former Golden Arrows player Bhekisizwe “Shakira” Nkosi.
The 34-year-old soccer star, who played for Arrows in the PSL’s 2012/2013 season, went missing on Christmas Day.
The family reached out to the Thathazonke Anti-Crime Unit to help find Shakira who was last seen with the five suspects.
Investigations led to one of the suspects, who claimed that Shakira had been taken by a local businessman who alleged that he had stolen his car.
The soccer star allegedly had been working for the drug kingpin and had decided to stop working for him.
He was assaulted and later died. His body was dumped in the Brits Dam near Thokoza Gardens.
His body was found badly decomposed and the family was advised to bury him by 3 January.
Katlehong Police spokesperson Captain Phuthutshedzo Mutondi said Shakira’s body was found in the dam.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the deceased was kidnapped and assaulted before he was killed,” she said.
The search for the suspects by members of the anti-crime unit led to the arrests of three suspects on 3 January. The other suspects were arrested on 5 and 7 January.
Picketing outside the court, angry residents demanded that the suspects be denied bail as they allegedly sold drugs. Residents accused one of them of being a kingpin in the area.
A resident, Maria Meso, said the suspects don’t belong in their community.
“Our children are hooked on drugs. These suspects have turned into role models because they flash the fancy lifestyle.
“We want them out of our community or we will take the law into our own hands,” she said.
Pictured above: Golden Arrows player Bhekisizwe “Shakira” Nkosi.
Image source: Supplied
