Pienaar – There has been more shock and horror in this small Mpumalanga town, where bodies have been exhumed from shallow graves inside a local cemetery.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) said a third body – thought to be three-year-old Peaceful Khoza – was exhumed in Pienaar, on Thursday, (4 July 2024).
The little girl had been reported missing on Monday.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli said the deceased had been identified by her grieving family.
“The body of the three-year-old girl by the name of Peaceful Khoza was exhumed yesterday. The family confirmed that indeed the body was that of their child,” Colonel Mdhluli said on Friday.
“The SAPS would also like to clarify misinformation regarding the suspect that has passed away.”
Residents were already reeling in shock after two bodies were exhumed on different days earlier this week resulting in the rumour mill going in overdrive.
Colonel Mdhluli added: “The rumours are untrue and the alleged suspect is alive and kicking.”
The 18-year-old suspect was beaten up so badly by a mob he had to be hospitaiised.
Colonel Mdhluli confirmed that a suspect arrested in connection with the child’s death was under police guard in hospital and would soon appear in court.
“We want to make it clear that the suspect is in hospital. As soon as he recovers, he will appear in court,” Colonel Mdhluli said.
The suspect had earlier been linked to the murder of six-year-old Junior Mabandla whose body was exhumed on Wednesday.
On Monday, missing 36-year-old Bonisiwe Mabuza’s body was exhumed from a shallow grave inside a cemetery in Luphisa, near Pienaar.
Three suspects, including a woman, have been arrested in connection with Mabuza’s murder.
RELATED: Kidnapped Bonisiwe Mabuza’s Body Exhumed From Shallow Grave, 3 Accused In Court – The Bulrushes
