‘Gruesome discovery’: Missing teen girl found dead inside shack as stepfather linked to murder

Trigger Warning: This article contains graphic descriptions of child sexual abuse, grooming, and exploitation, which may be  upsetting or triggering for some readers. Reader discretion is advised.

A missing 17-year-old girl’s body was found inside a locked shack in Kinross, Mpumalanga, with visible head injuries and evidence of sexual assault on Wednesday.

The victim has been reported missing since 23 May 2025.

Teen girl missing since 23 May

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane said that later, the police were asked to search the residence believed to be owned by the girl’s stepfather.

“Upon arrival at the shack in Extension 33, Marikana, Kinross, police found the doors and burglar gates locked,” Ndubane said.

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“Forced entry was made, and a gruesome discovery was made in one of the bedrooms.”

The police discovered the semi-decomposed naked body of a young woman, believed to be the missing teen, inside the bedroom. She was lying on a bed covered in blankets with her legs open.

Victim had visible head injuries and evidence of sexual assault

The victim had visible head injuries, including a deep wound and a crushed forehead.

The police suspect that the teen’s attacker raped and then killed her.

Ndubane said officers found a blood-stained pipe wrench (bobbejaan spanner) next to the bed and believe it to be the murder weapon.

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“Preliminary investigations suggest that the victim had recently argued with her stepfather over his intention to sell the shack that once belonged to her late mother,” Ndubane added.

“The teenager had reportedly objected, expressing concern for her younger siblings, who would need a place to stay in the future.”

Stepfather linked to teen’s and girlfriend’s murders

Additional investigation has connected this crime to the stepfather, who is in police custody for a separate incident in which he allegedly brutally murdered his 34-year-old girlfriend in Kinross on 23 May. He is now a suspect in both the murders.

The rising number of gender-based violence cases has alarmed Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, the acting provincial commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga.

“The brutal killing of women and children is unacceptable. These acts will not be tolerated. We are committed to ensuring that those responsible face the full might of the law,” said Major General Mkhwanazi.

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