Three men accused of murdering a German tourist in Limpopo last week appeared in the Northam Magistrates Court today. The men Jan Thabonga Moshabi (36), Abstein Madzvimbo (22) and Thomas Moyo (39) who are all foreign nationals were charged with of murder and contravening the Immigration Act. 

It is alleged that one of the suspects killed Herman Gunter Friedrich Westphal (74) who befriended him and gave him the suspect a lift. NPA spokesperson in Limpopo, Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, said the deceased was on a tour from Botswana and had driven to South Africa in a sedan and arrived at Lephalale in Waterberg District on Saturday morning. "The deceased requested that his alleged killer assist him with finding accommodation around North West province before he could proceed with his tour across the country. On arrival at the said accommodation, in Moruleng, the suspect suggested they pass by a liquor outlet where they had a few drinks. That's when the suspect informed his two friends about the deceased expecting a large sum of money from his family abroad," she said.

Dhzangi said the accused and his two accomplices drove with the unsuspecting victim to the place where he had booked accommodation and upon arrival, they tied him up and started assaulting him while demanding his bank account pin. "They also searched him and took an undisclosed amount of cash and other valuables," she said. The three suspects removed the vehicle's number plates and drove to Northam with the victim while assaulting him. He was later dragged and dumped in the bushes. The man's body was discovered by the police after they were called by a farm watch which had spotted the suspicious vehicle with no number plates. The three were arrested and appeared in court today. "The matter was postponed to 13 March 2024 for bail applications and the accused person will remain in custody. Legal Aid is representing them," she said.