He was identified as the primary suspect in Hillary Gardee’s murder by police, and he is one of three individuals who have been apprehended by officers since Friday.

He was detained along with two others after the gruesome death of the 28-year-old IT graduate and businesswoman, who will only be identified when he appears in Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court later today.

In one of the chain messages that was circulated on ANC WhatsApp groups – and which was obtained by the Pretoria News – was a defence of the 39-year-old guy. As stated in the message, the suspect was a highly educated political researcher who worked at the Mpumalanga Legislature and was in charge of research. He also held the post of director.

“He owns and operates four student residences, which he also utilises as a guest home during school vacations. He owns around five work cars that are utilised by his employees, as well as a bus for pupils. You see, it’s not like a person with a single vehicle… Alternatively, one dwelling. It would be tough for him to keep track of every automobile and every property he owns… Who is in attendance, and what are they up to? “On top of that, he is incredibly busy with (political work) and his employment,” says the post that is now circulating on ANC WhatsApp groups.

The man was described as being generous with his possessions in the chain message that was sent out.

 
“And I’m aware that he operates in a very casual manner. His home is where the whole ANC Youth League (sic) congregates most of the time to drink. The house is constantly crowded with ANC members who are out drinking with chicks late into the night. As a result, he employs a fluid setup, and he is often intoxicated. “However, he is extremely effective and well-liked in his work, particularly in campaigning and research,” the message states.

It is believed that two of the man’s properties have been officially approved for the purpose of renting them out to students at the University of Mpumalanga.

In her hometown of Kamagugu, Mbombela, on Saturday, Hillary was laid to rest in a high-profile burial attended by thousands of people. A number of notable politicians, including EFF leader Julius Malema and Police Minister Bheki Cele, were in attendance at the event.

Today is scheduled to be the first day of trial for the accused.