A family in **Windmill Park** is mourning the devastating loss of a young woman whose life was cut short in a brutal and senseless act of violence. The father of **Gugulethu Thwala** has spoken out about the pain of losing his daughter and his determination to see justice served.
Gugulethu, who lived with her family near **Boksburg** in the **Ekurhuleni** area, was reported missing after she failed to return home one evening. According to her family, she had gone out to follow up on money owed to her from a customer, as she had been selling food hampers to help support her household. When hours passed with no word from her, concern quickly turned into fear.
Her father, **Bhekisisa Mtshali**, said the family began searching immediately, asking neighbours and friends if anyone had seen her. The last known information suggested she had been at a nearby residence and was expected to walk home. Tragically, she never made it back.
Several days later, the family’s worst fears were confirmed when Gugulethu’s body was discovered in an open veld not far from where she was last seen. The discovery left her relatives and the wider community in shock. Mtshali described the moment he identified his daughter as one of the most painful experiences of his life, saying no parent should ever have to see their child treated with such cruelty.
He said the condition in which her body was found suggested she had been attacked violently. The family also learned that her cellphone was missing, raising concerns that important information about her final movements may have been taken or destroyed. For Mtshali, this added another layer of anguish, as he believes the device could have helped bring quicker answers about what happened to his daughter.
Gugulethu leaves behind a young child, a reality that has made the loss even more heartbreaking for the family. Mtshali said his daughter was a caring and hardworking mother who was trying to build a better future for her son. Now, that child will have to grow up without her, a thought that continues to haunt the family.
Beyond their personal grief, the family has also expressed concern about the safety of women and girls in the area. Mtshali said he has heard of other young women who have gone missing or been found dead, and he believes the community needs to stand together to demand safer streets and stronger action against violent crime.
Police have confirmed that a suspect has been arrested in connection with the case and faces serious charges. The family hopes the investigation will be thorough and that everyone involved will be held accountable.
Gugulethu’s funeral is set to take place in **Newcastle**, in **KwaZulu-Natal**, where relatives will gather to lay her to rest. As they prepare to say goodbye, her father says their focus is now on honoring her memory and ensuring that her death is not forgotten — or left without justice.
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