Missing person probe leads to buried body
A missing person investigation has led to the discovery of a decomposed body in Vlaklaagte, believed to be Karabo Kitima, one arrest made.
The decomposed body discovered in a yard in Vlaklaagte, Kwaggafontein, is suspected to be that of local missing person Karabo Kitima (23).
Mpumalanga Provincial Police spokesperson Jabu Ndubane said the police officer assigned to Kitima’s missing person case had conducted enquiries with Kitima’s friends, neighbours, and family after Kitima was reported missing on February 1.
The officer also received information from members of the community about suspicious activity surrounding Sanele Mngomezulu’s (30) garden.
Relevant stakeholders and the K9 unit conducted a search of Mngomezulu’s residence and yard, particularly at the back of the premises.
A police dog made an indication at a specific area of the yard, and Fire and Rescue personnel excavated the area. The decomposed body was found with similar clothing Kitima was wearing when he was reported missing.
Kitima’s family positively identified the remains as those of their missing loved one, but forensic analysis will be conducted to formally confirm the identity.
Mngomezulu was arrested on February 7 and is now facing charges of murder and defeating the ends of justice.
He appeared in the Mkobola Magistrate’s Court on Monday, and the matter was postponed to March 12 for further investigation.
