The decomposed body of a suspected sangoma (traditional healer) has been found by a farm worker in Upper Tongaat.
The middle-aged woman whose body was found stripped naked and possibly sexually assaulted is believed to have been murdered in early January.
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Umhlali SAPS detective Goodluck Mfeka said police were trying to establish the identity of the woman, who was found buried on a sugar farm, wearing only a sangoma necklace and boots.
“The body was severely decomposed due to the heat, leaving the traditional attire as the woman’s main identifying mark. Her hands were tied behind her back and her head was wrapped in sangoma attire. We suspect that she may have been strangled to death.
“The nature of the murder also leads us to suspect that she may have also been sexually abused but at this point, it is hard to tell,” said Mfeka.
He said DNA samples had been sent to Pretoria for analysis.
“A family came forward to view the body but we cannot establish the true identity of the woman without DNA samples.”
Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
Contact detective Mfeka at 072 382 1583.
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