Hammarsdale, KwaZulu-Natal — The family of 24-year-old Noxolo Mthethwa from Unit 6, Hammarsdale, is mourning after her body, burnt beyond recognition, was confirmed to be hers following DNA tests. Noxolo went missing on 1 August 2025.

According to her sister, Mabongi Mthethwa, Noxolo, a young mother, had left home to spend time with friends but did not return the following day. Concern grew when family members realized she had not been seen, and all inquiries with her friends yielded no answers.

ALSO READ | ZamaNguni Gumede Found Dead in Durban Flat

Tragically, a burnt body was discovered in the Hammarsdale area on 20 August. Initially, it was unclear whether it was a man or a woman, but DNA results confirmed on 23 August that it was Noxolo.

“It is very painful to accept that she was taken from us in such a cruel manner,” Mabongi said. “We still hoped to find her alive, but that hope is gone.”

Authorities initially treated her disappearance as a missing person case. However, Mabongi later reported that she had received a phone call from an individual claiming to have kidnapped Noxolo and demanding money for her release. This led police to open a kidnapping investigation.

Colonel Robert Netshiunda of KZN Police confirmed that a kidnapping case is being investigated by Mpumalanga SAPS, and that the burnt body found in Hammarsdale matches the description of the missing 24-year-old.

ALSO READ | Missing Woman’s Body Found Hidden in Boyfriend’s Shack

The family is preparing for Noxolo’s funeral, scheduled for Sunday, 31 August, and is urging the authorities to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

Mabongi said, “All we want is for Noxolo to be laid to rest with dignity, and for the perpetrators to be held accountable. We trust the police will do everything necessary to bring justice.”

FOR MORE FOLLOW-UP UPDATES, FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK: MISSING PERSON SOUTH AFRICA