Potchefstroom – The search for missing North-West University (NWU) student, 21-year-old Karabo Magomani Maluleke, is over.
Her body, burnt beyond recognition, was found in the Krugersdorp area, and was identified through DNA tests.
The NWU said it “has learnt with sadness about the passing of the 21-year-old Karabo Magomani Maluleke, a third-year psychology student at the Potchefstroom campus after she went missing towards the end of May this year”.
The university added: “We extend our condolences to her family and friends. May they be blessed with the strength to deal with this tragic loss.
“It is a sad moment when the life of such a young person abruptly comes to an end.
“That the loss happened during youth month makes it even more disturbing.”
Karabo’s family said she was last seen on 27 May 2023, at the student residence of the University of the North-West, Potchefstroom campus.
Narrating events leading to the discovery of Karabo’s murder, family spokesperson Jeffery Maluleke said in a statement posted on Facebook on Friday that after she was reported missing at the Potchefstroom Police Station, a suspect was arrested in Giyani, Limpopo.
The suspect’s arrest on 23 June 2023 was a result of a well-coordinated effort between the police officers from Potchefstroom, Diepkloof, and Giyani police.
“In the process, the police informed us that the body of a girl believed to be that of Karabo was found in the Krugersdorp area, and this body was burned beyond recognition,” said the family spokesperson.
“The DNA tests conducted earlier this week confirmed that the charred corpse was that of our beloved 21-year-old Karabo.
“This discovery by the police of the gruesome murder of our sister marked the end of a month-long uncertainty.
“While we are deeply saddened by her passing, as a family we are comforted by the fact that we now know what happened to her thus closing that first chapter of uncertainty.
“The next chapter is to ensure that the perpetrators of this barbaric act are put in long-term imprisonment.
“We extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation for the immense support you have given us as a family since we informed you about the disappearance of Kararbo.
Commenting on the matter, South African Police Service North West Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Funani on Saturday named the arrested suspect as 40-year-old Tiniko Baloyi.
He was traced to his hideout in Giyani, Limpopo, where he was arrested.
The suspect appeared in the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 26 June 2023.
Lieutenant Colonel Funani said the matter has since been transferred to the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court in Gauteng, where the suspect will face charges of kidnapping and murder.
