A SENSE of shame hangs thick in the air as police officers stand vigil over her body.
‘This could have been my daughter,’ said a female officer, clearly moved by the sight.
The curve of her hip would be beautiful in any other setting – but not on a hot summer day in Zululand, sun beating down on the sugar cane field where she has been tossed.
Near the crime scene a used condom lies baking in the sun, the wrapper fluttering around nearby.
Though she has bruising on her thighs and hips, it is not clear whether the deceased was sexually assaulted before being killed.
A case of murder is under investigation at Empangeni SAPS after the body was found at Wilson Park Farm on the outskirts of Empangeni.
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A resident from the area told the ZO the body was first seen by two people who were on their way to work at about 7am.
‘They immediately informed private security personnel patrolling the area,’she said.
‘Earlier this year a baby was dumped in the same area and was also found in the early morning by a passer-by.
‘We don’t know this lady, we have not seen her before. It might be that she was killed elsewhere and dumped here.’
A farmer who asked not to be named, criticised the police for taking hours to attend the scene, secure the perimeter, and remove the body.
‘I phoned the police at about 8.30am and they only arrived at the scene at about 11:35am,’ he said.
Police spokesman Captain Mdlalose said a case of murder has been opened for investigation.
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‘We have to wait for the post mortem to be conducted to see if she was raped or not.
‘The deceased is between the ages of 20 to 22, she is fair in complexion and we urged the community, especially those who have a missing person, to come forward.
‘For more information they can contact the head of detectives, Colonel Bonga Mdlalose on 082 5570365.’
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Read full story in ZO Monday!
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