The grisly discovery of a mutilated body in the Mvudi River near Mvudi Park, Muledane outside Thohoyandou, has raised fears that ritual murder and trading in human body parts may be resurfacing.
The body, believed to be that of a woman in her twenties, was discovered by a passerby on Saturday, 20 September, around 15:30. Some of her body parts, including her lips, nipples and eyebrows, were missing. Her hands were bound with wire, and her legs were tied to a five-kilogram bag filled with stones, apparently to submerge the body and conceal evidence.
The body appeared to have been in the water for several days, sending shivers through the community. This is not an isolated incident. In May this year, a 32-year-old woman, Rendani Tshigwili, and her two-year-old daughter, Ndingatshilidzi Makungo, went missing while visiting Thohoyandou. Their headless bodies were found in bushes on 30 July, and four men were later arrested, with the deceased's heads recovered in their possession.
The latest discovery comes a few weeks after two dialogues on ritual murders were held in Thohoyandou.
The identity of the murdered woman was not immediately confirmed, but a family from Phiphidi reportedly believes she is their missing relative. She allegedly went missing on Saturday, 13 September, around 19:00.
Limpopo police spokesperson Brig Hlulani Mashaba confirmed the discovery, saying the police had been alerted to the scene where the body had been found floating face down.
"The deceased, believed to be between the ages of 19 and 21, was found naked, with her hands and legs fastened. A 5kg mealie bag filled with stones was tied to her legs. Further visible injuries included the removal of some body parts along with cuts on both feet. We are calling on anyone who may have information regarding the identity of the deceased or the suspects involved to contact Thohoyandou SAPS or call Crime Stop at 08600 10111. Information can also be shared anonymously via the MySAPS App," he said.