A family from KaShoba is reeling in shock and grief after the mutilated body of their missing 16-year-old relative was discovered in a field under horrific circumstances.
The body of Ncedo Simelane was found on Sunday at about 5:30pm in a forested area at Mpolonjeni, near Siteki.
According to information gathered, the gruesome discovery was made by a herdsman who had been looking after livestock in the area.
Sources said the teenager’s body had been severely mutilated, with both arms and legs missing.
Her tongue and lower lip were also reportedly missing, and the remains appeared to have been mauled by dogs.
The condition in which the body was discovered has left the family deeply traumatised, as they struggle to comprehend the brutal manner in which the young girl died.
Ncedo, who lived with her maternal family at KaShoba, had been reported missing after she left home during the night of February 28.
Her aunt, Tesulile Dlamini, explained that on the night of her disappearance the teenager had been left at home with her younger sibling.
Their elder sister had been away after securing an odd job, which she relied on to earn an income.
Dlamini said according to the younger sibling, Ncedo repeatedly asked whether she was asleep.
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“The younger sister said Ncedo kept asking her if she was sleeping, and each time she replied that she was still awake. Eventually, Ncedo left the house without telling anyone where she was going,” said Dlamini.
Family shocked by discovery
The aunt said the family was not overly alarmed at first because the teenager had left home before, but always returned the following day.
“This was not the first time that she left home, but she used to come back the next day.
We never imagined that she would not return, or that her body would be found in such a terrible condition,” she said.
Dlamini said the family now suspects that the teenager may have encountered someone on the night she disappeared.
“I suspect that on this fateful night she met someone who tried to force her to do something she did not want to do, and that is why she was murdered,” she alleged.
She added that the mutilation of the body had raised suspicions within the family that the killing may have been deliberate and extremely violent.
However, the family has not yet identified any possible motive or suspect behind the crime.
Relatives are currently trying to gather information that could assist investigators in solving the case.
Police investigation underway
Police have confirmed the discovery of the remains.
Acting Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Nosipho Mnguni said parts of the 16-year-old girl’s body were found in the area.
Mnguni added that the remains were already in a decomposed state when they were discovered.
Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death are ongoing.
