Mhluzi police are investigating the mysterious death of 23-year-old Lindiwe Thandeka Makuwa, whose family endured a distressing search and conflicting accounts before locating her body.

Lindiwe’s mother, Linah Makuwa, was alerted on August 7 by a neighbour delivering a message from Lindiwe’s overseas ex-boyfriend.

However, when the family visited the property, occupants claimed police had taken her body but could not specify where.

When the family sought answers at the Mhluzi Police Station, officers initially denied any knowledge of the incident.

The family insisted on searching further and eventually located Lindiwe’s body at a funeral home.

Family locates body at local funeral home

Upon viewing her daughter, Makuwa observed severe physical trauma, including head injuries and abdominal bruising.

Despite the visible injuries, Makuwa alleged that officers initially suggested the death might be due to natural causes.

A formal case was only opened on August 11 after the station commander intervened, allowing the body to be transferred to a state mortuary for an autopsy.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed that an inquest remains open pending post-mortem results.

Police await autopsy results as inquest continues

“The post-mortem results are not out yet. Police are still investigating an inquest, pending the post-mortem results that will confirm the real cause of death.”

When questioned about potential disciplinary measures against officers involved in the initial response, Masondo declined to comment further, citing administrative privacy.

“With regard to internal disciplinary action, the matter is between an employer and employee; it cannot be discussed with the media.”

Lindiwe was laid to rest in Nooitgedacht on August 16, and her family continues to seek full accountability and definitive answers regarding the events surrounding her death.