The family of Karabo Maluleke, the North West University student who went missing in May are reeling in shock after the body of their daughter – a third-year Psychology student – was found burnt beyond recognition in a field in Krugersdorp yesterday.
According to police, a suspect has already been arrested and charged with kidnapping as well as murder.
Maluleke was last seen on 27 May at the Potchefstroom campus of North West University.
A spokesperson for the bereaved family Cedrick Maluleke said the family is comforted by the fact that they have found her and will get complete closure once the perpetrator has been brought to justice.
“Complete closure for us will be to see that justice is taking place and that justice will be to ensure that whoever is responsible for this murder is in jail for a long time,” he said.
North West police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Funani said the case will now be handled by Gauteng authorities since the body was found in Krugersdorp.
She said a 40-year-old man, Tinyiko Baloyi was arrested on 23 June for allegedly kidnapping Maluleke.
“He was arrested in a hiding place in Giyani, Limpopo. He was transferred to Roodepoort where he will face a charge of murder. The kidnapping charge has also been transferred to Gauteng,” she said.
It is not clear whether the victim knew her attacker.
NWU Spokesperson Louis Jacobs conveyed his condolences to the family.
“We extend our condolences to her family and friends. May they be blessed with the strength to deal with this tragic loss. It is a sad moment when the life of such a young person abruptly comes to an end, that the loss happens during youth month, makes it even more disturbing,” he said.
