Police in Mpumalanga have launched a murder investigation after three burnt bodies were discovered in a bushy area in Hazyview.
The grim discovery was made on Wednesday, prompting an intensive investigation by law enforcement officials.
South African Police Service spokesperson Mavela Masondo confirmed that investigators are working to establish whether the victims may be linked to a kidnapping case reported in Nelspruit earlier this month.
Police said the bodies were found burnt beyond recognition, and forensic teams have been deployed to assist in identifying the victims.
A 29-year-old man has been taken in for questioning in connection with both the kidnapping and murder investigations. Authorities have not confirmed whether he has been formally charged.
The identities of the deceased have not yet been released, pending forensic confirmation.
Investigators say the motive behind the killings remains unknown at this stage, and further details will be made public as the investigation progresses.