Police in Bellville South are investigating a murder after the body of an unidentified man was discovered at a municipal refuse site on Monday. The victim, believed to be from Belhar, had suffered multiple stab wounds, indicating a violent assault.
Police spokesperson Anelisiwe Manyana confirmed the incident, stating that the circumstances surrounding the murder are currently under investigation. It remains unclear how long the body had been exposed to the elements before being found, particularly given the recent rainfall.
"We can confirm that Bellville South police are investigating a murder case for investigation following the discovery of the body of an unknown man on Monday at the municipal refuse site in Bellville South," Manyana explained. "The circumstances surrounding this incident are still under investigation. No arrests have been made."
David Cecil, spokesperson for the Bellville South Community Policing Forum (CPF), noted that this is the first instance of a body being found at the dump site, which is located in an area known for its high crime rate.
"It is the first time we hear of a body that has been dumped there so it is not a regular occurrence and if it was then it would have been reported to our local SAPS," Cecil stated. "We do not know the circumstances surrounding the murder. There are rumours and allegations but as a CPF we prefer not to entertain stories, we prefer to rather get [information] from a reliable and reputable SAPS source."
Police are appealing to the public for assistance and urge anyone with information related to the incident to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
Meanwhile, in a separate and equally tragic case, police have launched a manhunt for a man believed to be involved in the murder of 34-year-old Sibongile Hadebe, whose burnt remains were found in a bushy area in Eldorado Park, south of JOHANNESBURG.
Sibongile, known to friends and family as Sibo, resided in Mamelodi East, Gauteng. She was last seen on 19 May, and her family reported her missing on 31 May, after her brother revealed that her boyfriend was the last person to mention her whereabouts.
The charred remains were discovered last week following a tip-off. Due to the extensive damage caused by the fire, forensic services were required to confirm her identity. Sources close to the investigation have now confirmed that the remains are indeed those of Sibongile Hadebe.
Police are treating Sibongile's boyfriend as a key person of interest in the case and have launched a manhunt for him. He has not been seen since before the discovery of the body, raising further suspicions about his involvement. His name has not yet been released to the public.
Neighbours and friends have revealed that the couple had a troubled relationship. According to friends who spoke to the police, Sibongile had expressed concerns about her safety, although she never filed a protection order.
On Friday, 14 June, Sibongile's family and community members marched to the Mamelodi Police Station in Tshwane to deliver a memorandum demanding justice for her murder. The family are still awaiting the final DNA results, which are expected to provide further confirmation of her identity.
"We urge anyone with information on his whereabouts to come forward," police said, appealing to the public for assistance in locating the missing man.
Sibongile's case is the latest in a series of brutal attacks on women in South Africa, highlighting the urgent need for greater efforts to combat gender-based violence.
Last month, journalist graduate Olorato Mongale was murdered after meeting a man she met on an online dating site. Her body was found dumped in Lombardy West, JOHANNESBURG. In that case, one suspect was killed in a shootout with police, while a second remains at large.
Sibongile's family are currently making arrangements for a memorial service to honour her life. Community members are expected to attend to show their support and solidarity.
Anyone with information regarding either of these cases is urged to contact the South African Police Service or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. The fight against crime and gender-based violence requires the collective effort of the police, the community, and all South Africans.
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