The police in Mashashane outside Polokwane have launched a massive manhunt for unknown suspect(s) who killed a 47-year-old Veronica Mapula Mahanyele and an unknown person whose charred body was found inside a burnt car on Tuesday 2018-02-06.
The deceased, whose Toyota double cab was found burnt at Christina village at ga-Maraba, was reported missing on Thursday 2018-02-08. The family apparently became concerned after she did not return back from work on Monday 2018-02-05 and then reported the matter to the police three days later. It has been reported she was alone when she left for work that Monday but she allegedly never reached her workplace.
Her body was found dumped in the bushes next to Newlands village at ga-Mashashane on Friday 2018-02-09. This gruesome discovery was made by a passerby. The police were called, reacted swiftly and started liaising with the deceased’s family.
The deceased is from Ga-Matlala at Phofu village and was identified by her family members. She was employed by the Department Rural Development and Land Reform in Polokwane as the Project Officer. The family also confirmed that the burnt vehicle belonged to the deceased. Police investigations are however still continuing to conclusively determine the ownership.
The cause of the death is yet to be determined and postmortem for the deceased and DNA examination of the charred remains found in her car will be conducted to assist with further investigations.
The motive for this incident is unknown at this stage but police investigations are continuing. Anyone who can shed light on the incident or can assist the police in identifying the person whose body was found in the said car, is requested to contact the Branch Commander of Mashashane police station Warrant Officer Galane at 0823008134, or Captain Richard Boshomane at 0798945501 or call the toll free number 0860010111.
The Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba has condemned this inhuman and barbaric conduct perpetrated by faceless assailants and urged the team of investigators that has been established to be relentless in tracking down the culprit(s).
Enquiries: Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo @ 0828766429
Manhunt launched for suspects after reportedly missing person is found in burnt-out vehicle https://t.co/GWE9NCA4jy #ArriveAlive @SAPoliceService @TransportLimCom pic.twitter.com/wpeeD7pFNk
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) February 10, 2018