EASTERN CAPE – During the month of August 2021, a Forensic Pathology report received from Pretoria, confirmed that the human remains found on the 12th of July 2021, in a non-operational water pipeline in Hofmeyr, was positively linked to the DNA obtained from the biological mother.

This was after the disappearance of a (8) year old girl, Zinathi Ntuzakhe which went missing after visiting a local shop to buy sweets on 23 Desember 2020. A missing person’s inquiry was opened and was investigated by Hofmeyr Police Station.

On the 07 April 2021, Hofmeyr SAPS, received information about a female that was trapped in a non-operating water supply pipeline in Hofmeyr.

On further investigation, a 23-year-old woman was freed from the water supply pipeline and reported that she was raped and thrown into the water supply pipeline by a known suspect.  A case of Attempted Murder and Rape was opened, and a 20-year-old male was arrested shortly afterwards in connection with the reported incidents.

During the following court proceedings of the Attempted Murder and Rape case a follow-up was requested by the Public Prosecutor, in order to determine the depth of the water supply pipeline. On investigation of the water supply pipeline the human remains of a child was discovered and send for forensic phytology testing.

The initial missing person’s inquiry have been changed to Murder and is being investigated by the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit in Cradock.

The Investigation Officer is Detective/Sergeant M. Qhagana and can be contacted at 082 319 8362, with any information that can lead with to the successful apprehension and arrest of the suspect/s.