Unidentified body found in shallow grave in Matsafeni
The community in Matsafeni was startled when the charred body of an unknown woman was discovered in a shallow grave in a burned open field in Woodhouse.
The discovery was made by members of the community on July 21 at the place where they usually dig for sand.
“They saw what looked like human toes protruding out of the ground and called the police, who in turn dug up the body,” said Mduduzi Malisa, a resident.
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According to locals, the woman was apparently killed and burned before being buried at the area. However, the police would not confirm if the body was indeed burned. Local ward councillor, Kenneth Mkhonto, sent out a strong message condemning the perpetrators of such acts.
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Mkhonto called on the law enforcers to do a thorough investigation and arrest and prosecute the perpetrators.
“We condemn brutal killings of human kind, irrespective of the situation. We must always try to find alternative solutions to issues without killing each other,” he said.
Brig Leonard Hlathi, the provincial police spokesperson, confirmed that the decomposed, naked body of a woman was retrieved from a shallow grave in the area.
“The police opened a murder case. No arrest have been made yet. We request anyone who has a missing female relative to contact Det WO Boy Bhila of the Nelspruit police on 082 303 9658,” he said.
