The search for the missing Hillary Gardee ended in tragedy when her body was found in some bushes near the Sabie/Lydenburg Road (R40) this morning.

Hillary, the daughter of former EFF secretary general Godrich Gardee, went missing on Friday. She was last seen at the Spar Plaza in Mbombela wearing black pants and a black top. A R100k reward was offered to help find her.

A provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, says community members on their way to work this morning had spotted a woman’s body and called the police.

Mdhluli says Gardee’s body was identified by her family.

EFF Statement On The Passing Of Hillary Gardee, Daughter  Of Former Eff Secretary General Godrich Gardee pic.twitter.com/P2ZIK7RZIS

— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) May 3, 2022

“She was reportedly found with head wounds and was wearing the clothing she had last been seen wearing upon going missing on Friday,” says Mdhluli.

He says her body was found in some bushes about 150 metres away from the road.

The police are investigating a case of murder.

In a statement on Twitter, the EFF says that the family is still in shock after learning of the death of Gardee and not in a position to speak to the media.

“May this chapter, which has ended in such an unfortunate manner, be instructive to all of us on the scourge of gender based violence and the need to fight against the war on the women of this country,” the statement reads.