According to Free State police spokesperson, Motantsi Makhele, the body of the 31-year-old Bianca van Tonder was found behind the Unicorn Mashie Club in Lakeview in Welkom.

Makhele further adds that Van Tonder was last seen by her parents at their home in Naudeville on the morning of Thursday 16 September when she left in her white Atos sedan.

According to her parents, she never returned home and they reported her missing at the Welkom Police Station the next day.

Makhele says Van Tonder's body was found by locals inside the lake at Lakeview in Welkom, covered with a duvet. 

The vehicle was found with its doors wide open with her handbag and clothes inside the car.  

"According to locals, the same Atos sedan was seen parked there at the scene on 16 September 2021. She lived in Naudeville. Her car was found between St Helena Private Hospital and Lakeview in the city on Friday 17 September 2021. Her body was found on the same day. 

"An investigation is underway,"  says Makhele.

OFM News/Blaine Jones