BOPHELONG – She went missing in February this year after a mysterious disappearance, last seen playing with friends.

Despite a frantic search, 12-year-old Motlalepule Blessing Ujitho was never found.

Her family, left in anguish, continued to look without luck.

The only energy left in the broken hearts of her immediate family members and relatives was hope that she would be found alive.

What happened on April 13 was nothing short of shocking when her family received a call that a decomposing body of a young girl was found buried in a shallow grave outside Bophelong and Bonane.

This comes after a passerby discovered the grave after spotting the deceased’s foot sticking out.

Speaking to the media at the scene where dozens gathered to watch as forensics and law enforcement combed the scene, Rosina Ujitho, mother of the deceased, explained how she was informed of the discovery.

“I was called by the community leader in Movhango, who alerted me to a gruesome discovery. Some of our relatives went to confirm the incident, and the child was identified,” she said.

Rosina said she had hoped to find her daughter alive.

“I am broken. I was hoping my child would come back home alive,” she said.

Continuing to explain, Motlalepule Tshabalala, the aunt of the deceased, called for justice.

“We are heartbroken. We want those responsible to be found and punished,” she said.

Vanderbijlpark police spokesperson Sergeant Sabelo Sigcu confirmed the news.

“The missing girl was indeed found and identified by her grandparents. She was identified by the clothes she was wearing when she went missing. A case docket has been opened, and further investigations are underway,” he said.