Community found girl buried next to a toilet
The body of a young woman was exhumed from a shallow grave in Pienaar, on Friday evening.
MBOMBELA – The teen, believed to be 17 years old, was last seen on September 28 after she visited the province with her boyfriend.
Pienaar SAPS discovered her corpse after being alerted to it by the community and subsequently opened a docket for murder.
Her body was unearthed by the pathologists.
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According to Brig Leonard Hlathi, provincial spokesman for the SAPS, the gruesome discovery was made when community members searched for the victim after her mysterious disappearance.
They became suspicious after seeing her boyfriend digging a hole next to a toilet. When the boyfriend allegedly left for work in Gauteng, family and neighbours inspected the hole and saw a shoe protruding from the ground.
Col Mtsholi Bhembe, SAPS spokesperson, confirmed that the boyfriend of the victim is a suspect in the matter. “The community spotted the suspect in the area and proceeded to chase him before he left for Gauteng, but could not catch him.”
His whereabouts are unknown. “The forensic pathologist report is expected sometime this week, but before then we encourage the Pienaar community to assist the police with more clues pertaining the murder of the teen,” Bhembe said.
MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Gabisile Shabalala applauded the community of Pienaar for the role that they played by notifying the police, who acted promptly. She further stated that the tipoff is a clear indication of the central role communities play in crime prevention, as the police cannot combat crime alone.
Shabalala criticised the numerous incidences of gender-based violence in the province against women and children. “We are calling on all communities to work with government in order to bring an end to the scourge. We urge the authorities to hand lengthy sentences those who are guilty,” she said.
Provincial commissioner, Lt Gen Mondli Zuma condemned the incident and requested the community to work with the police in bringing the perpetrator to book. Zuma reiterated that gender-based violence is a top priority of the police agenda.
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Anyone with credible information on the whereabouts of the murder accused is urged to contact Det Lt Col Jacky Mbuyane on 082-469-1478 or the SAPS Crime Stop number at: 086-001-0111.
