A case of murder and an inquest docket have been opened by the Bester SAPS, after the body of 34-year-old Thokozile Makhowane was discovered in a shallow grave in Bramhoek, Besters.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Thembeka Mbele, said that Thokozile Makhowane went missing from her home on Sunday, 14 November. “The deceased was last seen leaving home with her boyfriend and never returned.”
The matter was reported to the police and a case of abduction was opened at the Besters Police Station. Detectives then arrested a 44-year-old man at the time of her disappearance, however, he was released by the court due to insufficient evidence. The investigating officer continued with the investigation while keeping a close eye on the alleged suspect. On Monday night, 6 December, a group of angry people confronted the suspect at his residence and demanded answers about the whereabouts of the woman. The suspect eventually gave in and led the community to Bramhoek, Besters, where the partially-decomposed body of Makhowane was found.
“Before the arrival of police, the suspect was severely assaulted by the community and was rescued by police. He sustained multiple wounds and succumbed to his injuries while being transported to hospital,” said Col Mbele. The public is advised not to take the law into their own hands as that amounts to vigilantism and will result in them breaking the law themselves.
