MUSINA– Police in Musina have arrested three suspects in connection with the murder of the 64-year-old Mr Johannes Jacobus van Rooyen on December 24, following a tip-off by a member of the public.

Mr Van Rooyen's body was found in his bedroom at his home in Musina by a friend. His hands and feet were tied together. He was last seen alive on December 21.

The three men were arrested at Harper, after information was received that they were busy drinking at a shebeen and talking about how they murdered Mr Van Rooyen.

During questioning, it was discovered that the three suspects were illegal Zimbabwean immigrants. Blood and hair samples of the suspects were taken and will be send to the Forensic Laboratory in Pretoria for analysis.

The ages of the suspects range between 29 and 35 years. They have already appeared in court, but as the police investigation is of a very sensitive nature, their names will not be released to the public at this stage. More arrests are expected to be made in connection with the case.

Police are still looking for a Mr Juan Mario Winterbach, who is said to be in a position to assist the police in their investigation. Anyone with information about where Mr Winterbach can be found, are asked to phone Insp Jacques du Buisson at Tel (015) 534 7418.