Missing woman found dead at Diepkloof mortuary
Mokoena, was last seen at her residence in Protea South at approximately 18:00 on October 8.
Missing in Southern Africa (MISA) has confirmed the death of 27-year-old Keitumetse ‘Kate’ Mokoena, who was reported missing at Protea Glen Police Station on October 19.
According to MISA head of communications Priya Ranchod, Mokoena was last seen at her residence in Protea South at approximately 18:00 on October 8.
A missing person alert was subsequently issued as efforts continued to locate her.
Ranchod said her family found her body at Diepkloof Mortuary on October 26 after conducting their own inquiries at various hospitals and mortuaries when they were unable to establish her whereabouts.
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Johannesburg District SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mpho Tshetlhane confirmed that police are investigating a case of culpable homicide.
“Police are investigating a case of culpable homicide following the discovery of the body of a 27-year-old woman who was reported missing at Protea Glen Police Station on October 8, 2026. Following the investigation, her body was found at a government mortuary on October 10, 2026,” said Tshetlhane.
According to Tshetlhane, preliminary police investigations indicate that Mokoena was allegedly involved in a motor vehicle accident.
“Police investigations are continuing,” Tshetlhane said.
MISA further indicated that the missing person case was opened at Protea Glen SAPS, while the culpable homicide case is being investigated by an investigating officer at Moroka SAPS.
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The organisation has raised questions about why the culpable homicide investigation is being handled by Moroka SAPS, given that Mokoena’s body was reportedly found in Protea South.
Ranchod said the circumstances surrounding Mokoena’s disappearance, the alleged motor vehicle accident, the identification of her body and the process through which her family was notified must be properly established.
She highlighted the need for stronger communication and co-ordination between police, hospitals, forensic pathology services and families of missing persons.
“When a person is reported missing, families should receive timely and accurate information as investigations progress. Where a missing person is located deceased, every reasonable effort should be made to ensure that the family is identified and notified without unnecessary delay,” Ranchod said.
MISA extended its condolences to Mokoena’s family, friends and loved ones, adding that it would continue to support the family and assist others searching for missing persons across Southern Africa.
The organisation also reminded the public that there is no waiting period before reporting someone missing.
