Decomposed body found, believed to be missing Bothashoek boy’s
DNA tests will be conducted to determine if the body found in the mountains is Tetelo’s.
The decomposed body of a child, suspected to be the missing Bothashoek boy’s, Tetelo William Malatji (15), will soon be examined by state pathologists.
The body was found by cattle herders on a mountain in Ga-Riba Village outside Burgersfort on Friday afternoon, November 8.
Tetelo had gone missing on July 27.
On August 6, the Limpopo police reported that the boy had left his residence and never returned. He was dressed in sky blue shorts, a blue jersey and blue sandals at the time of his disappearance.
The Malatji family confirmed they had gone out to the scene after they had been alerted about the discovery.
“DNA tests will be conducted to ascertain the identity of the body. The torn clothes match those of our beloved son. We are currently awaiting the police to get samples and inform us on the next step. Currently, we cannot confirm if it is indeed him,” said a family member.
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Meanwhile, the local communities lambasted what they termed the ‘slow police response’. Bothashoek residents said they were dissatisfied with the police and pathologists’ reaction to the matter.
“Pathologists and SAPS officers only arrived at the scene on Saturday at around 11:00. We urge the police to respond faster when they are needed,” complained a community member who was at the mountain.
This paper understands that the closest Limpopo government pathology branch to Burgersfort is the one at Lebowakgomo, about 117km away.
