The gruesome discovery bodies of Mapheto Caroline Rathupetjane and her daughter, Thapelo Selina Rathupetjane were discovered by a passerby two months after their disappearance.

Police spokesperson, Col Moatshe Ngoepe said the victims left their home at Matipane village on 25 January at about 18:30 without informing anyone in the family about their destination.

“On 2 February a missing persons case was reported to the police and a search operation was immediately conducted without success until the gruesome discovery of the deceased,” said Ngoepe.

He said they found the bodies wrapped in plastic and their hands were tied with a rope.

The bodies were in a state of decomposition.

The acting provincial police commissioner, Maj Gen Samuel Manala, ordered that the perpetrators be hunted down and arrested.

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The police are appealing to anyone with information that can assist them in arresting the perpetrators, to contact Lt Col Richard Boshomane on 079 894 5501 or Dt WO Nthai Modjadji on 060 996 0062 or the crime stop number on 08600 10111 or the nearest police station or MySAPSApp.

Meanwhile, the Limpopo MEC for Social Development, Nkakareng Rakgoale has reacted to the incident with shock and sadness.

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“We urge the police to act swiftly in finding the perpetrator or perpetrators and effect arrests.

“The current situation wherein we learn of the murder of women and children weekly, simply cannot be allowed to continue.

“We reiterate our call for an end to gender-based violence and femicide and for the courts to hand out harsher sentences and not grant bail to the perpetrators of this violence against women and children,” said Rakgoale.

She added that a team of social workers has been deployed to render psycho-social support to all affected parties in the tragedy.