The community of Flagstaff in the Eastern Cape has been left reeling after the body of 29-year-old Ntombovuyo Ntanga was discovered in a forest under horrifying circumstances. Her remains were reportedly found mutilated and partially eaten by dogs, bringing a heartbreaking end to the search for the young woman.
According to family representatives, Ntombovuyo was last seen on 25 October. Although her family grew concerned, they believed she was still in the area after neighbours claimed to have spotted her at a local tavern in Hlwahlwazi Village on 9 November. Because of these sightings, no missing-person case was opened immediately, as her relatives assumed she would return home.
The grim discovery was made on 13 November when a group of children, who had gone into the forest to collect firewood, stumbled upon dogs feeding on what they believed to be human remains. Shocked and terrified, the children alerted adults in the community, who then notified the authorities.
Family members rushed to the scene to identify the body. Although decomposition made recognition extremely difficult, the clothing found on the body matched what Ntombovuyo had reportedly been wearing the night she was last seen. This provided enough confirmation for her devastated relatives.
Petros Majola from the Khula Community Project, who has been acting as a spokesperson for the family, described the discovery as deeply traumatic. He explained that Ntombovuyo’s aunt is “completely shattered” by the ordeal and has been battling emotionally since the confirmation of her niece’s death. Majola also emphasised that the family is struggling with regret for not opening a missing-person case sooner, although they believed, at the time, that Ntombovuyo was safe within the community.
Local residents have expressed outrage and sorrow over the tragedy. Community member Luthando Nomchane said the entire village is shocked by the brutality of the incident. “This is a tragic thing to have happened to a young woman. We are devastated. Whoever is responsible must be found and face justice,” she said.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa confirmed that authorities have opened a murder investigation. She reported that the condition of the body suggested foul play, mentioning that part of Ntombovuyo’s head had been wrapped in plastic. This detail has raised further questions about what may have happened before her body was abandoned in the forest.
Mawisa urged residents to come forward with any information that might help investigators uncover the events leading up to Ntombovuyo’s death. She added that the nature of the case requires community cooperation, especially since the victim was known by many in the area.
As the investigation continues, the community of Flagstaff is mourning a young life lost in an unimaginable way. Family members, meanwhile, are hoping for answers—and justice—that may bring them some measure of closure after this heartbreaking tragedy.
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