Sibongile Mashaba

Sibongile Mashaba

Constable Nomvula Ngubane's dream was to study further and be a senior police official.

But her dream will never come true. Her body was found yesterday hanging from a tree, about 150km from where her car was found. A massive search was launched after she went missing 28 days ago.

Three men, including her boyfriend, have been arrested for her murder. Police are still looking for another alleged accomplice.

Police spokesman Superintendent Muzi Mngomezulu said: "The car was found in Isipingo, KwaZulu-Natal, and one suspect was arrested in the area. After he was interrogated he led the police to Emagabheni, Port Shepstone, where two men were arrested, including her boyfriend.

"We do not know what led to the killing."

Mngomezulu said the men pointed out where they had dumped her body.

"They hanged her body from a tree and wanted it to look like suicide. The men will appear in the Port Shepstone magistrate's court on Monday," he said.

Her mother Thembelihle Mfeka said: "The car has been found and I have been asked to go to Port Shepstone but I do not know why. I was praying for her safety and that she returns home. She was humble and had self-respect."

Ngubane was based at the Phoenix police station's crime prevention unit.

She left her home in Avoca Hills, Durban, on August 15 to meet her cousin Smangele Mbele for lunch in the city centre but she never arrived.

Mfeka said her daughter had a 10-year-old son who now lives with a relative.

"He is in Grade 6 and we have taken him to a relative so that he can continue going to school," she said.

Mbele said: "I last spoke to her at about 10.30am on August 15. When I tried calling her that afternoon her three cellphones were on voicemail."