Thohoyandou Police discover mutilated body of woman in Muledane River
- Police in Thohoyandou, Vhembe District, discovered the body of a young woman in Muledane River on Saturday, 20 September 2025.
- The deceased, believed to be 19–21 years old, was found bound, naked, and with a 5kg mealie bag tied to her legs.
- The Provincial Police Commissioner has condemned the killing and instructed investigators to prioritise the case.
Katlego Sekhu
Police in Thohoyandou, Vhembe District, have opened a murder case following the discovery of a young woman’s body in the Muledane River (Mvudi Park) on Saturday, 20 September 2025.
According to police reports, officers responded to a complaint at around 15h30 and found the body of an unidentified female floating in the water. SAPS divers retrieved the body, and preliminary investigations suggest it had been submerged for some time.
The deceased, believed to be between 19 and 21 years old, was found naked with her hands and legs bound. A 5kg mealie bag filled with stones was tied to her legs. Police confirmed that some body parts had been removed, and visible cuts were found on both feet.
The body has since been taken to forensic pathology services for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe condemned the brutal killing, describing it as “deeply disturbing,” and urged investigators to prioritise the case. “We cannot allow such acts of violence to go unpunished. The perpetrators must be brought to justice,” she said.
Police are appealing to the public for assistance in identifying the deceased and tracing those responsible.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Thohoyandou SAPS or call Crime Stop at 08600 10111. Information may also be shared anonymously via the MySAPS App.
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