LIMPOPO – The police opened an inquest following the discovery of the body of 11-year-old Funzo Makuya of Phadzima in a dam in Nzhelele after she had been reported missing five days earlier.
She was initially reported missing on November 9 after she did not return home from a spaza shop.
In view of ongoing muti murders in the area, the community has since speculated on a possible motive after the body was discovered with the hands cut off.
The police, however, said the investigations would determine the cause of death and that the community should not jump to conclusions.
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“Police started an investigation, and search operations by the community led to the discovery of the body on November 14, floating in Phadzima Dam,” police spokesperson Lt Col Mamphaswa Seabi confirmed.
It is not clear how Makuya ended up at the dam, but an investigation is underway, he said.
“The police appeal to the community for space to fully investigate the matter.”
A community leader, Richard Ramabulana said the family became worried when the girl did not come home that day.
“They enquired from neighbours and searched everywhere, but with no luck. That was when they decided to report the matter to the local traditional leader, who gave them permission to report it to the police,” he said.
Ramabulana said it was fishermen who eventually discovered the body.
“We suspect that she was murdered for ritual purposes. We are just putting everything in the hands of God and we hope and pray that the police will do their job and apprehend the killer.”
Ramabulana urged community members to come forward with information that can lead to a successful arrest. They can contact investigating officer Detective Sergeant Ronald Kwinda on 071 677 1766 or the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or report to the nearest police station.
