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Body parts of missing woman found in shallow grave

Body parts of a woman reported missing in Kwazulu-Natal’s Emanguzi area have been found in a shallow grave. She was apparently strangled and then chopped into pieces before being buried in the shallow grave‚ police said.

The discovery follows the arrest on Sunday of three suspects aged between 18 and 20 years who were linked to the missing woman.

“After they were questioned by the police‚ they took the police to a shallow grave where they allegedly buried the body of the woman after they allegedly killed her‚” said Kwazulu-Natal police spokesperson Major Thulani Zwane.

“The body was exhumed late yesterday and a murder case was opened at Emanguzi police station. The arrested suspects will appear in the Emanguzi Magistrate’s Court soon. The motive for the killing of the victim is unknown at this stage‚” he added.

On August 5‚ a relative of the victim‚ Thandazile Mpunzi‚ 20‚ reported her missing at a local police station at Emanguzi after which a missing person inquiry was opened for investigation.

“The police and the community members worked around the clock searching for the victim but to no avail. Yesterday‚ the members got information that led to the arrest of the suspects. The body of the missing woman was found in pieces; it appeared as if she was strangled and chopped into pieces before being buried in a shallow grave‚” Major Zwane said.

“In another shocking incident‚ a 90-year-old woman was shot and killed in Esikhawini area and her boyfriend was wounded. It is alleged that on 15 August 2015 at about 19:45‚ the two were in their house in the Ncombo area‚ Esikhawini when they were approached by unknown suspects.

Ellen Mlaba (90) was shot and killed and her boyfriend was seriously wounded and taken to hospital for treatment. A case of murder and attempted murder was opened at Esikhawini police station for further investigation. The motive for the attack is still unknown‚” he added.

In a separate incident‚ a murder suspect‚ Sifiso Gumede‚ 42‚ will make a second court appearance at the Esikhawini Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday‚ Major Zwane said. The suspect was arrested after he allegedly killed his girlfriend and burnt her body at Port Dunford forest in the Esikhawini area last weekend after which he reported her missing.

“The KwaZulu-Natal police strongly condemned such shocking incidents in the province. It is really disturbing that such brutal killings of vulnerable women are reported when they are supposed to be celebrating Women’s Month. The SAPS will ensure that perpetrators face the full might of law and are kept behind bars indefinitely‚ Major Zwane said.

 

 

 

 

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