Gauteng police have launched a manhunt for suspects after the bodies of two young women, believed to be 25-year-old Nontokozo Mazibuko and Andiswa Sontangane, were discovered dumped along the R28 road in Randfontein on Thursday.
The women were reported missing on New Year’s Eve after being last seen on December 30, 2025, at a local soccer ground in Evaton, in the Vaal area south of Johannesburg.
Their remains were found in the Poortjie area, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement. A multi-unit team from the South African Police Service (SAPS) had been assembled to search for the missing pair following the initial report.
Gauteng Police Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed the grim discovery in a statement: “Police are on the lookout for suspects after the two women who were reported missing on the 31st of December 2025 were found murdered. Their bodies were discovered in Poortjie, south of Johannesburg, on Thursday 08 January 2026. The victims, who are both aged 25, were last seen on Tuesday 30 December 2025 and the matter was reported to the police the following day. A team that consists of various units of the South African Police Service was established to search for the victims. A case of double murder has been opened for investigation and police are following some leads.”
No arrests have been made at this stage, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist the ongoing investigation.
The tragic news has sparked widespread grief and outrage on social media, with community members and activists highlighting concerns over gender-based violence and women’s safety in the province. Families and friends had been actively searching and sharing appeals for information since the disappearance.
Police have appealed to the public to contact their nearest station or Crime Stop at 08600 10111 with any details that could help bring the perpetrators to justice. The incident underscores the persistent challenges of violent crime in Gauteng, as investigations continue.