Womans Floating Body Sparks Fear in Katlehong Community

The unsettling discovery of an unidentified woman’s body floating in the Natalaspruit River on Friday, 29 August has sent waves of shock and anxiety through the Katlehong community in Ekurhuleni. The chilling incident has accentuated mounting concerns over safety, especially among women, in the area.

Residents live on edge. Nomakhosi Mbele, a local from Katlehong, revealed that every time a missing person’s alert surfaces on social platforms, fear quickly spreads. “Women in this country have been living in a heightened state of anxiety. Every time a photo of a missing woman is shared, you feel terrified, because you literally could be next,” she lamented. She added that it “seems she was killed and dumped in the river,” expressing empathy for the victim’s unknown relatives, who may soon learn of her tragic fate.

Busi Mavimela, from the Phadima section of Katlehong, voiced alarm at the possibility of the river becoming a recurring dumping ground for victims. “I hope the dead woman will be identified by her family, and cops find the people who did this,” she urged.

In response, Ward Councillor Mfana Dube confirmed that community meetings have been held to address the situation. Yet, to date, no one has come forward to identify the victim. “We are all concerned about this, and I hope the family will identify her. I’ll engage with the investigative office soon to check if the family of the deceased has been found,” Dube explained.

Ekurhuleni district police spokesperson Captain Neldah Sekgobela verified that an inquest docket has been opened, and that authorities are investigating the incident. The body, which was discovered by passersby near the river, was retrieved and taken to the government mortuary in Germiston.