The discovery was made on Thursday (2/10). Officers were called to the scene, and upon arrival, they discovered a human skull protruding from a shallow grave, said Free State police spokesperson sergeant Palesa Thabana.

The remains were recovered by the provincial task team, and a preliminary investigation was launched. Initial findings suggest the deceased is likely a coloured female, aged between 12 and 16 years old.

At the time of her death, the young victim was wearing a black hooded jacket with the name “SWAGA” printed on the front pocket. A broken Blackberry cellphone was also found buried with her.

The cause of death has yet to be determined, and police have officially opened a case to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.

Police are now urgently calling on the public for assistance. “We urge anyone with information that could help trace the relatives of the deceased to come forward, so that forensic DNA samples can be taken and compared.” 

Anyone with information can contact Detective Warrant Officer Riaan De Lange of the Welkom Detective Services at 082 821 9227 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111.

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg