The police have arrested a suspect who they believed could be responsible for the death and rape of Nare Mashamaite, the train driver who was killed three months ago in Makhado (Louis Trichardt).

The 22-year-old Manyere Jerry Shuma from Zimbabwe was arrested and appeared in the Louis Trichardt District Court on Tuesday, 16 October.

Mashamaite was strangled to death earlier this year when she and her assistant driver stopped the train at the Makhado train station to inspect what they thought were brake failures. The assistant managed to escape unarmed.

Shuma, who, according to information provided by the police, was initially arrested in connection with a series of housebreakings in Tshilwavhusiku, was only later questioned about the murder. According to a police statement, their investigations positively linked Shuma to the murder and rape.

Shuma  appeared briefly in court again on Monday, 22 October. His case was postponed until 16 November to afford him time to prepare a bail application.

Also see:

03 May 2013 - We want justice for Nare Mashamaite