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Man charged with murder after friend’s body found in outback


A Melbourne man has been charged with murder after his friend’s body was discovered in the South Australian outback.

Father-of-four Ibrahim Hotak, 29, was found dead at a rest stop by the side of the Eyre Highway near the West Australian border on Monday.

Police believe Mr Hotak was driving from Victoria to Perth with his close friend Maiwand Rahimi, 32.

Mr Hotak played a game of cricket on Saturday, then left for Perth without telling anyone, including his wife.

Maiwand Rahimi has been charged with the murder of Melbourne man Ibrahim Hotak, pictured. He allegedly dumped his body by the side of the Eyre Highway near the West Australian border. Source: 7 News
Maiwand Rahimi has been charged with the murder of Melbourne man Ibrahim Hotak, pictured. He allegedly dumped his body by the side of the Eyre Highway near the West Australian border. Source: 7 News

As the two men made their way to Perth, friends kept calling to find out what they were up to.

The pair apparently told them they were off to make some money.

Mr Rahimi said they would leave the hire car in Perth and fly home, adding: “We’ll see you back in Adelaide in about 60 hours.”

Friends suspect drugs may have been involved.

It’s alleged Mr Rahimi murdered the 29-year-old and dumped his body.

SA Police Superintendent Julie Thomas said she couldn’t comment on the cause of the man’s death but he did have “some head injuries”.

Police allegedly found blood spatters in the Holden wagon and a suspected murder weapon. Source: 7 News
Police allegedly found blood spatters in the Holden wagon and a suspected murder weapon. Source: 7 News

Police allege Mr Rahimi then flagged down a farmer more than 200 kilometres away, claiming he’d run out of fuel.

He was taken to the Yalata police station and officers gave him lift back to his car.

When they arrived, they allegedly found blood spatters on the Holden wagon and a suspected murder weapon.

Friends of Mr Hotak are shocked by his death.

One friend described him as “supportive”, “friendly” and one of the best people he knew.

“Always wanted to be with friends and always wanted to make others laugh,” he said.

Another added Mr Hotak was “there for anyone who asked for help”.

Friends said the two men had been friends since immigrating from Afghanistan four years ago.