The body of kidnapped Limpopo nurse Frank Phetla was found under a bridge on March 17, 2025, with head injuries. Police are investigating the motive.
Key Points:
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Authorities found 64-year-old nurse Frank Phetla dead under a bridge with head injuries.
- The motive for Phetla’s kidnapping and death is still under investigation.
- Tensions in the community led to riots and the burning of homes over a missing farmer.
Provincial police reported that they found the body of 64-year-old Limpopo nurse Morudi Frank Phetla, who had been missing for nearly a day, on March 17, 2025, under a bridge in Jane Furse.
Kidnapping and Discovery of the Body
Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Thakeng, the provincial police spokesperson, confirmed that kidnappers abducted Phetla on the evening of Sunday, March 16, while he was attempting to enter his yard in the Zamane Section of Jane Furse. The kidnapping occurred around 7 p.m.
“Thakeng said, ‘Officers found the vehicle idling with its headlights still on, but they could not find Phetla.’ He also mentioned that police opened a kidnapping case and began investigations.”
The following morning, around 6:30 a.m., a shepherd discovered Phetla’s body under the Mabintana bridge, located in Jane Furse. Authorities confirmed that the victim had suffered head injuries.
Phetla’s next of kin later identified the body. The motive for the killing remains unclear, and the investigation is ongoing.
Police Appeal for Information
“We urge anyone with information that could help lead to the suspects’ arrest to come forward,” Thakeng said. “Detective Sergeant Vusimuzi Mohlala of the Jane Furse detective services invites anyone with information to share it at 082 479 2828, Crime Stop at 08600 10111, or anonymously through the My SAPS app.”
Tensions in the Community Following Another Tragic Discovery
The discovery of Phetla’s body follows the earlier death of 62-year-old farmer David Netshilaphala, also reported by police. Netshilaphala, who went missing earlier in the week, was last seen when he discovered that three of his cattle had disappeared on February 27, 2025, at his kraal in Xikundu village.
After two days of searching, Netshilaphala’s family reported him missing at the Saselamani SAPS. Frustrated by the disappearance, community members set fire to six homes of people suspected of being involved in the case. Police arrested one individual and charged them with arson following the riots.
The investigation into Netshilaphala’s disappearance and death is also continuing.
