A 31-year-old man has been arrested after the body of a missing Bushbuckridge man was discovered buried in a shallow grave at Violetbank Trust.

According to a statement issued by the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, the suspect was arrested in the early hours of Sunday, 10 May 2026, following an investigation into the disappearance of 54-year-old Solomon Grans Madonsela.

Madonsela was reported missing at Masoyi Police Station on 4 May after he allegedly left home on 30 April driving his blue Volvo and never returned.

Police said a community member became suspicious after spotting the stripped vehicle inside the garage of a house in Violetbank Trust and immediately alerted authorities. Officers who arrived at the scene positively identified the vehicle as belonging to the missing man.

A search of the property led police to a shallow grave in the yard. Forensic experts and other police units were called to assist with the excavation, where the body of a man wrapped in a blanket was discovered. Family members later identified the deceased as Madonsela.

During the arrest of the suspect, police allegedly recovered an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. Investigators further established that the firearm belonged to the deceased.

The suspect is expected to appear before the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 11 May 2026, facing charges of murder as well as possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

Police said investigations are continuing and more arrests may follow.

Acting Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, praised investigators for the swift arrest.

“We extend our condolences to the Madonsela family and assure the community that the SAPS will continue to pursue justice diligently and without compromise,” said Mkhwanazi.