Rethabile Jafta was reported missing on Thursday (20/8), and his body was found on Friday with multiple injuries to his head and body. Jafta was declared deceased at the scene and was positively identified by his next of kin.

On the day, police were summoned to the cemetery in Valkop after members of the community discovered the motionless body of a child. A black T-shirt was also found lying next to his body. “Winburg police are investigating a case of murder after the body of a boy was discovered at a cemetery in Winburg,” said Free State police spokesperson Palesa Thabana.

“Rethabile had been reported missing a day before he was discovered deceased. A search was immediately launched to determine circumstances leading to his disappearance. The motive for the murder is unclear at this stage. Police investigations are underway, and no arrests have been made yet.”

Police have urged anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect to contact Det. Sgt Liezel van der Westhuizen on 082 466 7678. Or they can contact the crime stop number on 08600 10111.

Advice from The Pink Ladies is that when someone is missing, or you feel like there is something wrong or that something has happened to them, please bear in mind that there is no 24-hour waiting period. There has never been, said The Pink Ladies co-founder and director, Jacqui Thomas.

• The first thing to do is to check everything in the area they went missing, and do a five-point search: North, South, West, East, and from the actual spot. But don’t take too much time on it, especially if it is a child, as the first hour is crucial.
• It is very important to let the organisation know whether the child or adult has some sort of dependency on alcohol and drugs.
• Even though that information won’t be published, it will be noted that they are vulnerable and that people should treat them with care if they happen to come across them.
• Get in touch with their friends and immediately report it to the police, particularly if you feel that something has happened to them or they have come into some sort of harm, especially if they are children.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame sm

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