The family of Khazamula Samuel Ngobeni from Tshivhuyuni village, who went missing in 2020, is still searching for answers. What seemed to be his remains were discovered in a nearby mountain last year.
Ngobeni's family said the police had collected the bones, possibly in September 2024, but they had yet to receive any information on whether an investigation was underway. They are still unsure of what led to his death or whether any suspects have been identified in connection with his disappearance.
A family member, Nyiko Ndobe, said witnesses had come forward claiming to know what had happened to Ngobeni, but the police had not taken statements from them. "Our family is traumatised by the Waterval Police Station because they don't communicate with us unless we go to them. We believe those bones belong to him, as we also found his shoes. Since the day he disappeared, the police have never wanted to work with us. This is painful, and we are tired—five years have passed, and we need closure," he said.
The family has accused the police of making empty promises about investigating the matter, saying no real progress had been made.
Vhembe SAPS spokesperson W/O Vuledzani Dathi explained that when the remains of a fully decomposed body are found, the identity can only be confirmed once forensic tests provide a DNA match with the family.
"So far, we do not have information regarding that, as it is with forensics. We will follow up and update the concerned family," Dathi said.