DNA results have confirmed that the body found in a waterhole in the Old Madala Settlement is that of Meluleki Ncongwane (23), who went missing on April 26 from Belfast.

Since his disappearance, his family and community members have been actively searching for him.

On June 25, a man’s heavily decomposed body was found by children at the Old Madala Settlement, close to a wetland.
DNA tests had to be conducted for identification as the body had decomposed beyond recognition.

His family prepared a proper send-off for Meluleki, and he was laid to rest on July 16 in Belfast.

According to them, the last time they saw him, he was going to his girlfriend’s house in Old Madala to collect some of his belongings, but never returned home.

They are convinced that he was fatally assaulted and that his body was dumped where he was found.

The family said some eyewitnesses reported hearing a lot of noise and a voice crying for help on the night of his disappearance. The witnesses wish to remain anonymous for safety reasons, but said they saw torches in the area where his body was found.

The family said they gave the information to the police, and also told them they saw marks on several walls at a nearby house, which appeared to be blood that had been wiped off.

Meluleki is described by his family as a good boy, respectful, and loved by the community. Nearly the whole community was present at his funeral.

They are still reeling in shock and are seeking answers from the police surrounding his death.

• Colonel Jabu Ndubane, provincial police spokesperson, said they are waiting for the post-mortem results, and an inquest has been opened.