Five suspects were arrested in Jeppestown in connection with the kidnapping and murder of Steven Gruzd, with police locating his body after one suspect led them to the scene following an overnight search.
- Community Active Protection, SAPS and JMPD collaborated to arrest five individuals linked to the crime.
- During questioning, one of the suspects revealed the location of Steven Gruzd’s body.
- The South African Institute of International Affairs mourned Gruzd’s passing.
Five suspects were arrested in connection with the kidnapping and murder of Steven Gruzd, the head of the African Governance and Diplomacy Programme at the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA).
Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko confirmed on Saturday evening that a case of murder was opened after Gruzd was reported missing on Friday evening.
According to Sibeko, Gruzd had attended a meeting in Corlett Gardens on Friday, where he was allegedly abducted and later taken to the George Goch Hostel in Jeppestown.
Community Active Protection (CAP) said the alarm was raised by the victim’s family, triggering an overnight search.
“The victim’s family alerted CAP and the CSO that their husband and father was missing. Teams mobilised immediately and commenced a coordinated and extensive search,” the organisation said.
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CAP said in a statement that the suspects were identified and tracked through a vehicle believed to be linked to the crime, which was intercepted at about 04:00 in Jeppestown, along with the assistance of SAPS and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD).
“Further intelligence enabled the team to identify a suspect vehicle… which was located and stopped in Jeppestown,” CAP said.
Five suspects were arrested at the scene.
After being questioned, one of the suspects allegedly led police to the victim’s body.
The statement said:
During questioning, one of the suspects informed SAPS that the victim had been murdered and pointed out the location.
Sibeko said investigations were ongoing.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
The SAIIA described Gruzd’s death as a significant loss.
“It is with great sorrow that we announce the untimely passing of Steven Gruzd… an integral part of the institute,” it said. “We will miss his brilliant mind, his deep camaraderie and his gentle spirit.”
It is with great sorrow that we announce the untimely passing of Steven Gruzd, Head of the African Governance and Diplomacy Programme at SAIIA.
An integral part of the Institute, Steve was known for his unwavering dedication to his work and his commitment to the policy… pic.twitter.com/QvEhvKSEbL
— South African Institute of International Affairs (@SAIIA_info) March 28, 2026
The institute said his death left “a significant void”.
It extended condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
Gruzd was a skilled wordsmith and also represented South Africa in Scrabble in the All Africa games.
