Junior Bonase (41) was found dead next to the N1 near Heuningspruit outside of Kroonstad on 21 May at about 23:00.

He worked for the Bloemfontein-based local paper, Dumelang News, for several years.

According to the police’s preliminary investigation, Bonase’s body was discovered by a passer-by with severe injuries to the face.

He was on his way to Parys, according to the police, to do a follow-up story. 

Thandi Mbambo, the provincial police spokesperson, said the investigation continues into circumstances leading to his death.

She said a case of culpable homicide has been registered for further investigation.

Mbambo said the police were continuing to conduct a post-mortem inquiry as part of the investigation into his death.

She said the result of the autopsy conducted last week Thursday was inconclusive and his body was taken to Bloemfontein for another post-mortem.

She added the results of the second post-mortem would be released most probably by the end of today, Thursday 30 May.

According to the Acting Chairperson of the Free State Media Cooperation, Lebona Lekoenea, the funeral will be held on Saturday 1 June at House Number 10 Las Vegas Location, Springfontein,

He said the funeral will start at home at 08:00, then proceed to the Springfontein Community Hall at 9:00 whereafter it will head to the local cemetery at 12:00.

He said the memorial service will be held today at the Floreat Hall in Bloemfontein from 13:00.

Lekoenea said Bonase had a great passion to work in the tough media industry.

Among his accolades, he won a regional Vodacom Journalist of the Year Award in 2015 in the online category.

His death comes after he was elected to be the chairperson of the Free State Media Co-operative Ltd, a registered co-operative focusing on empowering and developing small print media in the province.

OFM News/Michael Tlhakudi