Neighbours' fears lead to the discovery of two women's bodies in Kamagugu, Mpumalanga
What began as concern over a foul smell, an unusual number of flies around a house, and unanswered phone calls ended in horror for residents of Kamagugu, just outside Mbombela, when police discovered the decomposing bodies of two women inside a locked house.
Mpumalanga police have opened two counts of murder following the discovery of the bodies of a 20-year-old and a 64-year-old woman at about 4.30pm on Tuesday, December 16.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Jabu Ndubane said officers in Nelspruit are searching for suspects following the incident.
She added that, according to a police report, neighbours grew concerned after noticing a foul smell and an unusual number of flies around a house in their area.
“Further than that, they could not get hold of their neighbours over the phone, hence they informed the police about it.”
She said that when police arrived at the scene, they were shown the locked house, but there was no sign of a break-in.
The Mbombela Disaster Management team was also called to the scene to assist in unlocking the door.
“The house appears to have been ransacked, and it was during this time that two lifeless bodies were found.”
She confirmed the old woman was identified by her family as Eunice Mahlodi, 64, whose body was found half-naked.
“The second body found was that of Eugenia Dineo Masuku, 20, as identified by the family.
She said Masuku’s body was also found half-naked in her bedroom, and both her hands were tied with cables.
“It is suspected that she could have been strangled as a cable was found around her neck. There were also blood stains noticed in the bedroom.”
Ndubane said it is further suspected that some items, like cell phones, could have been stolen from the house.
Unfortunately, the two victims were certified dead by the Emergency Services Personnel (EMS), who also attended the scene.
“The bodies were found at the early stage of decomposition,” she added.
Ndubane said a double murder case has been opened, and a team of investigation experts has been assigned under the leadership of Mpumalanga’s acting provincial police commissioner, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, to probe the shocking incident.
“A 72-hour plan has been activated with all role players involved.”
Ndubane said the circumstances surrounding this incident are still under investigation, and police are appealing to the members of the public for information that may assist in apprehending the perpetrator(s) by contacting Detective Sergeant Debra Matukane on 076 354 9612 or calling the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111.
Members of the public can also send information via MYSAPSAPP. All information received will be treated as confidential, and callers may opt to remain anonymous, she said.
Meanwhile, Mkhwanazi has pledged that the investigation team is working tirelessly to ensure the perpetrators are quickly brought to justice.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
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