THE body of a teenage girl who was reported missing on Tuesday, 6 October was found hidden in a toilet at KwaNgcolosi last Friday.
Hillcrest SAPS communications officer, Cst Ndumiso Manqele, said Zothile Zesuliwe Nxumalo (14) was last seen at Inanda Dam. “Zothile was reported missing at Hillcrest Police Station and the case was handed over to the investigation unit. The initial investigation began and the photo was circulated to all other stations and also to the media houses.
“The search and rescue unit was summoned to investigate and the body was later found.”
Manqele said Zothile’s clothes were recovered a few metres away from the dam.
“Her family confirmed that these were the clothes that she was wearing before she went missing. The investigation continued and on Friday at about 10am, Hillcrest police, the search and rescue unit and residents were at the dam looking for the young girl.
“A man approached the search team and informed them of a strange smell coming from his outside toilet,” said Manqele. Police went to investigate and the the body was recovered, hidden in the outside basin of the toilet.
He said that the girl was found with multiple stab wounds and there are strong suspicions that Zothile was raped before she was killed.
“A case of murder was opened at Hillcrest police station for further investigation and no arrest has been made at this stage. The motive for the killing is unknown,” added Manqele.
Police are appealing to anyone who might have any information that can assist the investigation to contact Det/Cst Buthelezi on 072 5703 840 or 031 765 9134.
