They accused him of stealing drugs: Nigerian men arrested for Gift Combrinck's murder seek bail
Thinedu Chukwu and Ikena Obi, accused of kidnapping and murdering Gift Combrinck, have been remanded in custody
Image: Boxer Ngwenya/ Independent Media
Two Nigerian nationals accused of kidnapping and murdering Gift Combrinck, a 49-year-old man from Lydenburg in Mpumalanga, have appeared in court as the community continues to demand justice.
Thinedu Chukwu, 39, and Ikena Obi, 43, were arrested last month by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in connection with the brutal killing, which has shocked residents of the small mining town.
The pair made a brief appearance before the Lydenburg Magistrate’s Court this week. Their bail application was postponed to November 11, while they remain in custody.
Outside the court, Combrinck’s family members and community activists gathered in protest, calling on the court to deny the accused bail.
One of the protesters, Combrinck’s sister, Shireen Mathenjwa, told broadcaster Newzroom Afrika that the family was informed her brother had been accused by the Nigerian men of stealing their drugs.
“The Nigerian foreign nationals took my brother. Apparently, they accused him of stealing their drugs. I do not know if that is true — it is just hearsay, but that is what the witness said,” Mathenjwa said.
According to police, Combrinck was reported missing on September 23, 2025, after failing to return home. A missing person case was immediately opened at the Lydenburg police station.
Three days later, on September 25, police made a grim discovery.
“Tragically, on 25 September 2025, the body of Mr Combrinck was discovered near De Clerq Street in Lydenburg,” said Sergeant Thulisile Magagula, provincial police spokesperson.
“Preliminary investigations suggest that the victim was kidnapped, which led to the arrest of the two suspects.”
Police say the investigation was fast-tracked, and the two Nigerian nationals were traced and arrested within days.
Combrinck’s death has left the Lydenburg community reeling. Residents have expressed anger over what they describe as an increase in violent crimes linked to drug activity in the area.
Community members have vowed to continue picketing outside court during every appearance until justice is served.
“We just want justice for Gift. We cannot live in fear anymore,” said a local resident at the protest.
The case has reignited public debate over drug-related crimes and community safety in small towns across Mpumalanga.
Chukwu and Obi are expected to return to court on November 11.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
IOL News