SHARPEVILLE – The family of 23-year-old Katleho Rathongwa is reeling following the gruesome discovery of his body at an open veld behind a business centre in Tshepiso Phase 2, Vereeniging.

The discovery was made on Sunday morning. The family spokesperson, Macharity Masakala, said she was alerted by members of the community that a body had been discovered and it was that of her relative, Katleho. Masakala stated that she later rushed to the scene.

“I could not recognise Katleho at first. I had a closer look while the police were busy with the body, and that is when my worst nightmare came true.”

Masakala said that the most heartbreaking moment was having to break the news to Katleho’s mother, Francina Mkhatswa who recently buried her husband. “This is the most painful thing to ever happen to our family. We are heartbroken. Katleho was killed as if he was some kind of animal.”

Masakala said Katleho sustained multiple stab wounds. The family called for justice citing that they want their son’s killers to be arrested soon.

Police spokesperson, Constable Busisiwe Sango confirmed the incident.

Sango reported: “Police were summoned to the scene and on arrival found the body of a male lying face down. Preliminary investigations revealed that the man was in his early twenties and that he had sustained multiple wounds after being stabbed with a sharp object. The suspect or suspects are unknown at this stage. We are appealing to community members to come for-ward with any information.”

Sango confirms that a murder case docket is open for further investigation.