The police have opened an inquest after the decomposed body of a woman, believed to be 35-year-old Tinyiku Nkwinika from Bungeni, was found floating in the Nwanacila River in Nwaxinyamani village on Wednesday, 19 November. Nkwinika, a mother of five, was discovered by a passer-by fishing at the river around 11:30.
Vhembe police spokesperson W/O Vuledzani Dathi said officers from Waterval Police Station had responded and found the body in an advanced state of decomposition. "The woman is believed to be in her mid-thirties, but her identity is still unknown. The body was taken to a government mortuary for a post-mortem," Dathi said.
Family spokesperson Eric Maluleke, a Ward 14 committee member, said the family was struggling to cope. "We don't know what really happened. We are waiting for the DNA results before we can plan the burial. We are putting our trust in the police to find the perpetrator as we believe she was dumped in the river to destroy evidence of what really happened," he said.
Community leaders were further distressed to learn that three of Nkwinika's five children do not have birth certificates, leaving them unable to access essential services. A photo of the decomposed body circulating on Facebook has added to the family's trauma.
Residents suspect the woman may have been killed before being dumped in the river. A local, who asked not to be named, said the river was too shallow for someone to drown. "It was disturbing, as her body was in a bad state. It's clear she was just dumped there, and it's not the first time a dead body has been discovered in this community," the resident said.
The police have urged anyone with relevant information to contact investigating officer Const Lutendo Nemakanga on 079-894-5463. Investigations are ongoing.