Kimberley - The half-naked body of a young woman, who may have been physically and mentally disabled, was found in overgrown grass at the Percival Jas Community Hall in Stock and Stock, Galeshewe on Tuesday morning.
Shocked residents believe that the woman was raped before she was killed, as her clothes had been pulled halfway off her body.
“Her tongue was hanging out of her mouth and her private parts were exposed. This young lady did not deserve to die in such a cruel manner. We are living among people who are worse than pigs,” said one resident.
The body was discovered by a five-year-old boy on Tuesday morning, at about 7:30am, when he peered out of a window at the crèche that is housed in the community hall.
Community members formed a prayer chain at the site. Picture: Danie van der Lith/DFA
The principal of the crèche said that the boy called her, as he thought that there was someone sleeping outside.
“Luckily the wall is high and he was not able to see what had happened to the woman. We have to watch the children closely when they play outside so that they don’t disappear under the long grass,” said the principal.
While a number of police officers and vehicles arrived on the scene, the crèche was not adjourned for the day as the children’s parents were at work.
Residents estimated that the deceased was about 16-years-old and pointed out that pedestrians often walked through the park at night as the gates were always open.
“There are a number of taverns in the area, while drug use is rife. Youngsters come to the park at all hours of the day and night to use drugs.”
Community members formed a prayer chain at the site and prayed against the evils, including the increasing drug use among youths, that are plaguing society.
Residents and the crèche also approached the ward councillor for assistance, as the grass has not been cut since last year and the recent rains have caused the veld and grass to grow prolifically.
Complaints were also made about the broken high-mast lights in the area, which residents believe is contributing to crime.
Captain Bashoabile Ernest Kale said the Galeshewe police had opened an inquest into the death of a woman who was estimated to be between the age of 28 to 30 years.
“The identity of the deceased has not been confirmed yet. An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death as well as whether she was raped. There were no visible injuries, bruises or marks on her body,” said Kale.
He stated that the deceased had a right hand and foot disability and could have also possibly suffered from a mental disability.
“At this stage the police are investigating if the body was dragged and dumped at the site or if she died of natural causes due to exposure and the cold.”
Kale added that no arrests had been made yet.
Office manager of the Sol Plaatje Municipality executive mayor, George Mosimane, extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased.
“We condemn any form of violence committed against women and children,” said Mosimane.
He added that municipal workers were unable to clear all areas that were overgrown due to the unexpected rains.
“Our cleaning project was stopped for a while but the municipality does have a cleaning schedule where we attend to all areas.”
Mosimane indicated that they were also in the process of cleaning and clearing all drains and canals in the city.
“The community must work together with the municipality to prevent illegal dumping and littering and must refrain from throwing foreign objects into the stormwater drains.”