The Free State Department of Education has expressed sadness over the death of a Bloemfontein learner whose body was found two days after she was reported missing.

The body of Machaka Radebe (16) was discovered with stab wounds in a field near Phase 9 in Bloemfontein in the early hours of Monday (4/12). Her family reported her missing on Saturday after her phone was answered by a stranger who demanded a ransom when they tried to contact her.

Free State Education MEC Makalo Mohale described the death of the Grade 8 learner from Brebner High School in Helicon Heights as “brutal and inhuman”. “It’s deplorable that a normal being will do what he did to this innocent soul. I am deeply sad (sic). This is satanic and devilish indeed. We condemn any form of violence and femicide against women and children.”

Mohale called on community members to help law enforcement agencies to bring perpetrators to book and urged learners to be extra vigilant about who they interact with. He conveyed his heartfelt condolences to her family, learners, and the school community.

The body of Khethiwe Nkambule (48), a teacher from the Bainsvlei Combined School, was discovered at the South Park Cemetery in Bloemfontein on Saturday (25/11). No one has been arrested in either of these cases and police are still in search of suspects.

Meanwhile, Lerato Masiu (23), who was last seen leaving with a man posing as an investigating officer on 16 November, and Lesego Mamello Motaung (22), who was reported missing on 30 October after she was last seen when she left her home in Uitsig to go to work in Zastron Street, Westdene, both remain missing.

Free State Provincial Commissioner Baile Motswenyane instructed the investigating team to work hard to ensure they bring these criminals to book and to find Masiu and Motaung.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi           Daphné/Dane