AFTER being reported missing for a week, 25-year-old Sakhile Dlamini of Nkiliji was found dead in a forest with several body parts missing.
Dlamini was reported missing on September 13 and was found deceased on September 18, with his mouth, nose and private parts missing.
According to his sister, Nokulunga Dlamini, Sakhile was discovered by community police nearly a week after he disappeared.
She said Sakhile went missing on a Sunday after telling the family that he was going to his house to sleep. His mother realised he was missing when she went to wake him up to accompany her to the bus stop, as was their daily routine.
“After not finding him inside the house, our mother became suspicious and followed up with us to find out if he had returned home. She then went to the Manzini Police Station to report but was told to wait for 48 hours.
“On September 15, the search for Sakhile started and we searched the same forest where his body was later located. After he was not found, the search proceeded towards Luve but nothing was discovered,” she said.
Dlamini said the search continued on September 17 when children went to fetch water from a nearby river, as Sakhile used to assist the family with pumping water. She said one of the children went into the forest along the way to relieve himself. On September 18, the children returned to the same river and again passed through the forest. She said they then noticed a foul smell coming from the forest and reported it.
According to Dlamini, the report was initially dismissed because one of the children had relieved himself in the forest the previous day. However, questions surrounding the strength of the smell prompted community police to return to the forest and search the area.
“His body was discovered inside the forest in a sitting position.
“He had no mouth, nose and private parts. His shoes were switched and he was carrying his hat. His two cellphones have still not been located,” she said.
Dlamini said her brother was a keyboard player and a valued member of his church. She said on the Sunday he disappeared, Sakhile had deposited E1 000, which was meant for an offering, as he was responsible for the church’s funds. Dlamini added that her brother was the family’s breadwinner and earned a living by helping people with water supply by installing pumps for them at a fee.
She claimed that about 80% of the community had benefited from his initiative. She further alleged that Sakhile had received threats from some people in the community before his disappearance.
Dlamini appealed to members of the public to assist the family with funeral expenses.
Those wishing to assist the family can contact her on 7623 2059. Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Senior Superintendent Phindile Zwane confirmed the report.
She said investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding his death.
