SHARPEVILLE. – The police are currently in pursuit of a suspect in connection with the alleged murder of 21-year-old Bongiwe Mntshange from Tshepiso, Sharpeville.
Mntshange’s half-naked body was discovered on Sunday, January 28, in an open veld in Tshepiso. Passersby who stumbled upon the gruesome scene immediately contacted other members of the community.
Lindiwe Mntshange, the 38-year-old mother of the victim, revealed that she last saw her daughter on the afternoon of Thursday, January 25, before Bongiwe left to visit relatives in Sebokeng.
Lindiwe became concerned when she was unable to reach Bongiwe on Saturday, finding her phone turned off. Upon returning from church on Sunday and still not finding her daughter at home, Lindiwe contacted relatives, only to learn that Bongiwe had never arrived on Thursday.
Fearing for her daughter’s safety, Lindiwe contacted one of Bongiwe’s friends who, in turn, spoke to Bongiwe’s boyfriend. The boyfriend reported that they had an argument on Thursday evening, and Bongiwe left. Attempting to locate her in the dark due to load shedding, he was unsuccessful and returned home to sleep.
Lindiwe discovered the tragic fate of her daughter on Monday when she visited the Boipatong SAPS to report her as a missing person. Authorities showed her a photo of the discovered body, badly assaulted and already in a state of decomposition. Despite the condition, Lindiwe was able to identify her daughter. Subsequently, the police took her to the mortuary for formal identification.
Expressing deep sorrow, Lindiwe emphasised that her daughter led a quiet life and cherished attending church. Sergeant Thembeka Maxambela, a police spokesperson, confirmed the initiation of an inquest case docket for investigation.
