Free State police are still searching for suspects a week after Rethabile Jafta was found dead with multiple injuries at a cemetery near the Phahameng location in Winburg.

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

Police were called to the scene of a possible murder near the Phahameng residential area in Winburg on that Friday after members of the community discovered the body of a child at a cemetery in Valkop. 

The boy had sustained multiple injuries to his head and body. A black T-shirt was also found next to his body.

“The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the boy’s death is ongoing,” said Free State police spokesperson Palesa Thabana. “At this stage, the motive for the alleged murder remains unknown.

“Winburg police had opened a murder investigation, and no arrests had been made. They are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Rethabile’s disappearance and death, including the events leading up to the discovery of his body.”

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 phone Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

The Pink Ladies said when someone is missing, or you feel like there is something wrong or something has happened to them, please bear in mind that there is no 24-hour waiting period.

• The first thing to do is to check everything in the area where 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 the information won’t be published, it will be noted they are vulnerable and 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 dg

• Have a news tip to share? Phone or whatsapp the OFM News Hotline: 066 487 1427.