A desperate mother rushed to Kwa-Thema in Springs after hearing that the body of a woman had been discovered, fearing that the victim could be her missing daughter.
Cathrine Nnaki, 59, said she immediately went to the scene after learning about the discovery on Tuesday. Her 35-year-old daughter, Faith, has been missing since Friday, September 10.
“I came here running just to make sure it’s not her,” Nnaki said.
Faith, who is from White City in Kwa-Thema, reportedly left home after doing her children’s laundry and did not return. Nnaki said she had repeatedly tried to contact her daughter over the weekend, but although her phone rang, Faith did not answer.
The worried mother said Faith sometimes leaves home without telling relatives where she is going and can remain away for several days before returning.
“Sometimes she can go for a week without us knowing where she is, and then she just comes back home,” Nnaki said.
She added that the family had contacted Faith’s friends and people she usually spends time with, but none could provide information about her whereabouts.
Nnaki was unable to view the body at the scene and was directed to the Germiston government mortuary, where she planned to assist with identification.
Her concern was heightened by reports that the woman found in Kwa-Thema was believed to be in her 30s.
“I hope that she will return home alive,” she said.
Faith is also a mother of four children. According to Nnaki, the children have been asking about their mother and continue to rely on their grandmother for care.
The Kwa-Thema discovery has added to growing concern over a series of deaths involving women in and around Ekurhuleni.
Acting Gauteng Provincial Police Commissioner Major General Fred Kekana said a preliminary assessment by a pathologist indicated that the woman found in Kwa-Thema appeared to have been strangled. A post-mortem examination was expected to provide further information.
Residents have called for increased police visibility in the area as fears grow among women and other community members.
Kwa-Thema resident Nizipho Zulu, 50, said residents were increasingly worried about their safety and urged authorities to identify those responsible for the deaths.
The latest discovery follows several cases involving women whose bodies were found around Kempton Park, the R21, Rhodesfield, Olifantsfontein and Clayville.
One of the victims was identified as Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, whose body was found in Rhodesfield after she disappeared while out for her usual afternoon run.
Police have said the various cases will be investigated collectively to determine whether they are connected.
Authorities have urged families searching for missing women to work with investigators and assist with identifying unidentified remains at the Germiston mortuary.
For Nnaki, however, the immediate concern remains finding her daughter.
The mother said she was hoping for the news every family would want to hear: that Faith is alive and will return home.
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