The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of two Villa Liza women whose bodies were found near the Rooikraal Landfill, which is on the corner of Rondebult and Barry Marius roads, on January 3.
The bodies of best friends Tshepiso Ntomane (40) and Retshedisitse Phatswane (31) were discovered by a passerby, who then notified the police. According to provincial SAPS spokesperson Capt Mavela Masondo, the bodies were found in a state of decomposition in the early afternoon.
“Police have opened inquest dockets and are awaiting post-mortem results,” said Masondo.
The Advertiser spoke to the family of Phatswane at their home in Villa Liza last week and visited the site where the bodies were found.
The journalist discovered dismantled police crime-scene tape and a family member of Phatswane, who was also at the site, found a weave he believes to be hers and took it away with him.
Her uncle, Banesela Boosman, said his niece, who has a daughter aged eight, left home just before 22:00 with her best friend (Ntomane) on New Year’s Eve to visit friends in Windmill Park.
“They left on foot and didn’t return home. We did not know where they were until we were told by community members that they were found dead in a veld in Windmill Park.
“We are sad because my niece was a happy person. We are pained by this. Her passing has left a big hole in our hearts,” said Boosman.
A friend of the slain women, Retshepisitswe Moshoeshoe, of Windmill Park, said Ntomane and Phatswane were joining them on December 31 to celebrate the New Year.
“We spoke to them at around 22:00 to find out where they were and they said they were on their way and just approaching the traffic lights (adjacent to the veld they were found dead in).
“When we phoned them about an hour later their phones went to voicemail. What happened to our friends is heartbreaking,” said Moshoeshoe.
Community members condemned the killings, saying it is not the first time bodies have been discovered in this veld.
Resident Sibongile Thusi said people have tried to occupy vacant land to curb crimes like these but their plans were fruitless. “Due to a lack of police presence in the area, crime continues unabated,” said Thusi.
Community leader of Windmill Park Nomadlozi Mofokeng said the community is devastated about the murders.
“Women don’t feel safe and we urge council to do something about this vacant land,” she said.
A candle-lighting service was held for the women on the site at 2pm on December 7.
The police were not forthcoming with further details regarding the discovery of the bodies. Anyone with information should phone SAPS on 08600 10111.
Also Read: Windmill Park: Bodies of two women found in veld
Also Read: Decomposed woman’s body found in an open veld
