A post-mortem examination has been conducted on the decomposed body discovered buried in a shallow grave at an open field in the Vogelfontein area near Bethlehem.
The post-mortem results revealed that the deceased is a female who sustained multiple fatal stab wounds. Consequently, the inquest case has been converted to a murder case.
Further forensic analysis will be conducted on individuals who have come forward claiming the remains, to establish the biological identity of the deceased. Investigations are also focusing on a missing person case reported in October 2025 in the Voggelfontein area, which is believed to be linked to this discovery.
The body was initially discovered on Saturday, 21 December 2025, at approximately 07:00, when an initiation schoolteacher was cutting and collecting firewood in the area. He noticed a shallow grave with what appeared to be human body parts protruding from the ground and immediately alerted the police.
Upon arrival at the scene, police observed a human leg protruding from the shallow grave. The body was subsequently exhumed and transported to a government mortuary for further examination.
At this stage, the identity of the deceased and the suspect(s) involved remain unknown. Investigations are ongoing.
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact Bethlehem Detective Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Marius Nel, on 082 526 2717, or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
Bongi Sikelo 