NELSPRUIT – A barely decomposed body of a woman whose identity is unknown at this stage was found at Extension 11, Embalenhle in a room of a suspect on Friday morning, 17 February 2023 around 11:30. The male suspect (45) was in the dock after being arrested for domestic violence related case on Wednesday, 15 February 2023.
According to the report, after the suspect's arrest his mother became worried about the flies as well as a bad odour which was coming from his room. It is said that she could not access the room to see the cause behind as the suspect locked and took the key for the room during his arrest. She then reportedly went to the Police Station to alert them about her worries.
Upon arrival, the members also experienced and witnessed what the woman had reported as they approached the room. One of the family members assisted by breaking the door to gain entry into the room. That was when the shocking discovery of the body was made. Her lifeless and nearly decomposed body was found laying in bed and further covered in blankets. The slain woman was only wearing a white T-shirt. The victim is light in complexion and her age is estimated to be between 25 and 30.
A murder case was opened and an investigation immediately began. Preliminary probe by the police thus far suggests that she could have been strangled as a shoe lace was found on her neck. The woman's body also had some signs of bleeding. Police suspects that the murder could have been committed by the suspect prior to his arrest on charges of Contravention of a Protection Order in relation to his mother as a complainant. An additional charge of murder was then laid against him.
The Police are also looking for the woman's family and urge anyone who might be looking for a loved-one matching the description to visit Embalenhle Police Station. Alternatively members of the public can call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
The suspect, identified as Leloko Mapitsi has appeared in the Evander Magistrate's Court on Thursday, 16 February 2023, where the case of Contravention of a Protection Order was postponed to Thursday, 23 February 2023 for a formal bail application and he was remanded in custody. He is expected to appear for murder on Monday, 20 February 2023.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has strongly condemned the incident and indicated that the team of investigators will shed more light on what had transpired so that justice is served for the slain victim.
Source: South African Police Service