Bushbuckridge – A week after 29-year-old Azena Nongeni was reported missing, her body was found hidden under a mattress in her boyfriend’s lodgings.
The gruesome discovery was made at a residence in Malaining, near Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, on Thursday (3 July 2025).
Nongeni, originally from the Eastern Cape, was reported missing last week on Friday, (27 June 2025).
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane said: “The missing woman, Azena Nongeni, has been unfortunately found dead and preliminary investigations show that she was murdered,”
Lieutenant Colonel Ndubane said the dead woman was identified by her sister
“Her body was discovered hidden under a mattress in the rental room of her male friend, located not far from where she had been staying,” the spokesperson said.
Police have opened a murder case.
Lieutenant Colonel Ndubane said a manhunt has been launched for the deceased’s boyfriend, a 32-year-old Mozambican national.
The man only known as “Mr. Salom” is believed to have information that could assist the police with their investigation into the death of his girlfriend.
“Police are now appealing to the man known as Mr Salom. He is urged to immediately come into contact with the police as he is crucial and may assist with the investigation,” Lieutenant Colonel Ndubane said.
People with more information regarding the incident should call Warrant Officer Nicole Setwane on 079 391 9384 or the police national toll-free line 08600 10111.
