The search for Mamatsharaga Ntendeni, a 27-year-old man from Tshififi who went missing on 29 January, ended in tragedy when his body was found on Wednesday morning, 4 February.
According to his sister, Vhahangwela Mamatsharaga, family members and community residents resumed the search earlier that morning after mobilising people using a loudspeaker. Read previous article here.
“We asked community members to help us search again. While people were searching in the mountains, we heard loud noises. After a few minutes, three men came and informed us that he had been found hanging from a tree branch,” she said.
Vhahangwela said the family was deeply hurt by the discovery but was trying to come to terms with the loss.
“We are very hurt and we will always remember him, but we are willing to accept what has happened and let life go on,” she said. She added that funeral arrangements had not yet been finalised.
The South African Police Service in Vhembe District confirmed the discovery of Ntendeni’s body. At the time of going to press, police were still at the scene and an official statement was expected to be released later.