THE death of a traditional leader, whose body was found near a mountain on Friday, has left the community of Tswera in mourning.

Mphatheleni Vhulahani Netswera's death is shrouded in mystery, but the royal house believe the 83-year-old monarch was killed and dumped in the bush near the mountain.

Police are conducting a postmortem to determine the cause of his death.

Netswera had ruled his village outside Thohoyandou in Venda for five decades.

He went missing on July 7 after supper. On the same night, a police search mission, with the help of the community, came back withouthaving found him.

Netswera's death remains a mystery for his subjects. They are, however, satisfied that his body had been found.

Prince Azwitamisi Netswera said that while the family and community mourned the death of his father, they still could not understand the nature of his death.

"That his body was found is true but we are concerned about the manner of his death. The body was not in a bad state and it seems he was killed and dumped there," the prince said.

The family suspects he was kept by ritual killers who only released his body after the villagers threatened a door-to-door search.

Warrant Officer Mashudu Madida said an inquest docket had been opened.

"We have our suspicions, but a postmortem will guide our investigations. If it points to murder, we will open a murder docket. We appeal to the community to help with information," he said.

Prince Azwitamisi said the family was still working on arrangements for the funeral.