SEBOKENG – Following swift information dissemination on social media and word of mouth, thousands of residents made their way to the scene of crime, thinking the body, maybe that of Samkelo Gadu.
Gadu (18) was swept away by a heavy river current on February 12, while crossing a low-lying river in Evaton/Small Farm.
Since his disappearance, the community of Sedibeng District has been eager to wake up to the news of his body being recovered.
Dozens of bystanders, including family and relatives of Gadu, patiently waited for South African Police Services Water wing [divers] to recover the floating body.
When police arrived and removed the body from the river, they confirmed the body was not that of Samkelo.
What shocked the gathered crowds was nothing short of a script from a horror movie.
The lifeless body had a bullet wound, shot to the head, and the man’s [deceased] hands were tied together.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, Acting District Commissioner, Brigadier Mbangwa Nkhwashu said a case of murder has been opened and suspects are still not known.
“On Thursday we received a call about a body recovered and suspected to be that of a flood victim. Our members got to the scene and found a body of a man shot, killed, and thrown into the river. We are investigating a murder case and no suspects are rested. Investigations are underway to determine where the incident might have happened,” he said.
Nhlanhla Gadu uncle of missing Samkelo said the family had hoped that the body would be their niece.
“When we heard about the body found in the river, we quickly rushed there and got disappointed when it was retrieved. We thought at least now we would have found closure. We thank the public that continues to work with us and hope they will continue to do so until we find our own,” he said.
Today, March 6, marks exactly a month since Samkelo went missing.
