Alex Matlala

Alex Matlala

The alleged killers of a Limpopo man who met his fate while hunting on a farm near Phalaborwa three months ago may be re-arrested and charged with murder.

Richard Mkhari disappeared while hunting on a privately-owned farm in July. He left home with six dogs and was never seen again. Two of the dogs returned home that fateful afternoon and the other four were found shot dead.

Following the incident, which caused an uproar in Limpopo, farm owner Johan van Niekerk, 69, was first charged with kidnapping. After Mkhari's remains were found, the farmer and Gert van Vuuren were charged with murder.

The two men later were freed when charges against them were withdrawn.

A source close to the investigation told Sowetan yesterday that forensic results indicate that Mkhari was 'hit twice with a hard object that cracked his skull'.

Mkhari also had a hole in his leg, which suggests that he had been shot. Sowetan saw some of the pictures that were taken during the forensic investigation to determine the cause of death. Formal forensic test results are expected to be released by the end of the week.

Mkhari's remains were only returned to his family yesterday.