The family of missing 73-year-old Johannes Sarteul Solly Fourie faces an agonising wait as DNA testing is needed to confirm whether a body found near Greenspark last weekend belongs to their missing loved one.

Fourie, who has a mental disability and limited speech, went missing from his Owl Street home on March 6. His niece, Johanna Samson, shared that Solly had always lived with relatives and was unable to work formally due to his condition.

“He always stayed with us. When we noticed he was gone, we immediately contacted the police and shared his photos and details,” Samson said.

After weeks of searching, the family received a call on the night of May 9, notifying them that a farm worker had discovered human remains in tall grass on a farm opposite the main entrance to Greenspark. The family was called to identify the body.

Although the body was mostly skeletal, several key clothing items matched what Fourie was last seen wearing: a grey jersey with green stripes, black trousers, and one black sports shoe.

“We are almost sure it is him,” Samson noted. “But at the mortuary, we were told someone else might have taken his clothes. Only DNA testing will confirm it.”

Officials at the Carletonville mortuary informed the family that forensic DNA results—which involve comparing DNA from a tooth found on the body to a relative’s—could take three to six months to complete. Until then, the family will not be able to claim the body.

“It’s very frustrating,” Samson admitted. “But we understand that the right processes must be followed. Our hands are tied until the results come in.”

The case continues to highlight the emotional toll on families of missing persons, especially when delays in forensic testing prolong the uncertainty.