Phoenix police have confirmed that a 26-year-old woman from Bhambhayi, Phoenix, who was reported missing late last month, was allegedly murdered after receiving a significant payout from the Road Accident Fund (RAF).
According to SAPS spokesperson Captain Carmen Rhynes, the woman was last seen at Tees Tavern in Phoenix. She was reported missing between Saturday, 24 January 2026, at approximately 21:00 and Sunday, 25 January, at around 03:00. “Following further investigations, the victim’s body was discovered on 1 February in Melmoth,” said Rhynes.
Police have since made a significant breakthrough in the case, with three suspects aged 22, 24, and 26 having been arrested. “The suspects include two adult males and one adult female. They are currently in police custody and the investigation is ongoing,” Rhynes confirmed.
In a chilling development, SAPS confirmed that the motive for the murder is directly linked to the victim’s RAF payout. “Investigations indicate that the matter is linked to the motive for the murder,” said Captain Rhynes. In light of the case, SAPS has urged members of the public who receive RAF payouts or any other large sums of money to exercise extreme caution regarding their personal safety and financial privacy.
The investigation remains active as authorities gather further evidence. This is a developing story.
