Byline: Nonjabuliso Nhlambo
29 May 2025
A missing 17-year-old girl was found deceased inside a locked shack in Kinross on 28 May 2025.
According to the report, the victim was missing since 23 May 2025. A request was later made to the police to search a residence believed to be associated with the girl’s stepfather. Upon arrival at the shack in Extension 33, Marikana, Kinross, police found the doors and burglar gates locked. Forced entry was made, and a gruesome discovery was made in one of the bedrooms.
Inside the bedroom, the naked body of a young female believed to be the missing teenager was found in a semi decomposed state. She was lying on a bed covered with blankets, her legs open. The victim had visible head injuries, including a deep wound and a crushed forehead. It is suspected that she was raped before being killed. A bloodstained pipe wrench (bobbejaan spanner) was found next to the bed and is believed to have been used in the murder.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the victim had recently argued with her stepfather over his intention to sell the shack that once belonged to her late mother. The teenager had reportedly objected, expressing concern for her younger siblings, who would need a place to stay in the future.
Further investigation has linked the stepfather, who is currently in custody for a separate incident involving the brutal murder of his 34-year-old girlfriend on 23 May 2025 in Kinross and to this case. He is now a suspect in both murders.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, expressed deep concern over the increasing number of Gender-Based violence (GBV) cases. “The brutal killing of women and children is unacceptable. These acts will not be tolerated. We are committed to ensuring that those responsible face the full might of the law,” said Major General Mkhwanazi.
