On Tuesday (23/9), police were alerted to the scene after a passerby came across a decomposed body of a woman inside an informal structure within the landfill area. The deceased was reportedly found lying on the ground, wearing green and white pajama trousers and a black jacket.

According to police spokesperson Capt. Thabo Covane, the body was already in an advanced state of decomposition when officers arrived. Due to the state of the body, the cause of death remains unknown at this stage. An inquest docket has been opened at the Kagisanong Police Station.

Authorities are urging anyone who may be able to assist in identifying the woman to contact WO Tefo Lefalatsa at 082 465 5946 or 051 411 7979.

This discovery is the latest in a disturbing series of body finds across Mangaung in recent months.

Just a day earlier, on Monday (22/9), a naked body of a man was found floating in water at the Bloemspruit Waste Water Treatment Works. It marks the second such discovery at the plant in July. Workers found another man’s body, partially submerged, prompting speculation that it may have been transported to the site through drainage pipelines.

Meanwhile, police are also searching for the remaining body parts of a woman whose lower body was found in an advanced stage of decomposition on Friday 12 September. The body was found by two children floating in water in an abandoned building in Heidedal. No identification has been made in that case either.

The Southern Landfill Site has increasingly become associated with criminal activity and lawlessness. According to reports from local residents and workers, the area has been overrun by undocumented immigrants, predominantly from Lesotho, who are said to be involved in illicit activities, including territorial disputes and intimidation.

OFM News previously reported that local waste pickers, many of whom rely on recycling for survival, have raised safety concerns, claiming they’ve been displaced or threatened by organised groups operating illegally within the landfill.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cvs