Family Still Reeling After 20‑Year‑Old’s Body Found in Eastern Cape Forest

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Asenathi Mve

The family of Asenathi Mve, aged 20, remains deeply shaken after her lifeless body was discovered in a forest near Ncera village, outside East London. Police have launched a murder investigation following her disappearance over the weekend, and a 48‑year‑old man was arrested and formally charged on Thursday .

According to police spokesperson Lt‑Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa, community members aided in apprehending the suspect. The station commander described weapon injuries to Asenathi’s upper body, consistent with eyewitness accounts that she was allegedly abducted while walking home with friends .

Her mother, Ntomboxolo Mve, expressed immense grief and called for justice. “It really pains me that I now must prepare for my child’s funeral at such a young age. My heart is very sore. I wish everyone who is involved … gets arrested and they throw away the key,” she said .

Provincial leaders have taken notice as well. The Eastern Cape MEC for Safety reportedly visited the Mve family to offer condolences amid concerns over rising gender‑based violence .

In a separate case in Limpopo’s Sekony, Botlokwa, a 47‑year‑old man and his 34‑year‑old partner were discovered shot dead in their home. The victims were found by a relative, and police spokesman Malesela Ledwaba confirmed the presence of a firearm at the scene .

Although the motive remains under investigation, authorities are not ruling out domestic violence. Police have opened both a murder case and an inquest. Lieutenant‑General Thembi Hadebe publicly condemned intimate‑partner violence and broader gender‑based violence during the statement .

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