Vanessa Ndaba, who was reported missing on Friday, 30 January 2026, after disappearing in Eikenhof, Johannesburg, has been confirmed dead. DNA results have verified that the body found in Eikenhof forest is hers. Police have opened a murder investigation as her family prepares for her funeral.
The case, which began as a missing person search in Gauteng, has now become a confirmed homicide investigation. The development has drawn strong reaction from the Eikenhof community and renewed concern about women’s safety in Johannesburg South.
Vanessa Ndaba Missing in Eikenhof: Timeline of Disappearance
Vanessa Ndaba, 32, was last seen on 30 January 2026 in the Jackson area of Eikenhof. According to her family, she left home to meet friends at Taputapu Tavern in Jackson. At the time, she was wearing a black dress with a lace bottom and had green braids.
Friends later stated that when they were preparing to leave the tavern, Vanessa chose to stay behind. It is believed she later left the area alone in a taxi. One detail quickly raised an alarm within her family: her cellphone had been left at home.
When she failed to return and there was no communication, relatives reported her missing. Social media posts describing a missing woman in Eikenhof, Johannesburg, began circulating widely. Community members shared her photo, hoping to assist in locating her alive.
The initial search focused on the Jackson area, local taverns, and transport routes in and around Eikenhof. At that stage, the case was treated as a missing person investigation.
Body Found in Eikenhof Forest: DNA Confirms Identity
During the search for Vanessa Ndaba, a body was discovered in Eikenhof forest. The remains were taken to a mortuary for further examination. Due to the condition in which the body was found, authorities could not rely solely on visual identification.
Vanessa’s mother was asked to view the body. However, due to the state of decomposition, the police ordered a DNA test to confirm the identity formally.
This week, the DNA results confirmed that the body found in Eikenhof forest is that of Vanessa Ndaba.
The confirmation has officially shifted the case from a missing person report to a murder investigation in Johannesburg. Police have since released the body to the family for funeral arrangements.
Authorities have not yet released further details about the circumstances surrounding her death, and no arrests have been announced.
Eikenhof Murder Investigation: What Police Are Saying
Police have confirmed that the investigation into Vanessa Ndaba’s murder is ongoing. Detectives are working to establish a clear timeline of her movements on the night she disappeared.
Investigators are expected to examine CCTV footage from nearby businesses in the Jackson area and identify individuals who were present at Taputapu tavern on the evening she was last seen. The taxi she reportedly used after leaving the tavern has not yet been traced.
Law enforcement officials have not disclosed specific forensic findings. However, they have classified the case as murder and indicated that further investigative steps are underway.
Anyone with information about Vanessa’s final movements in Eikenhof is urged to contact the nearest police station.
Memorial Service for Vanessa Ndaba in Kibler Park
The family has confirmed that a memorial service for Vanessa Ndaba will be held on Sunday, 1 March 2026, at Danie Theron Primary School in Kibler Park.
The service is scheduled to take place from 2 pm to 5 pm.
Relatives and community members are expected to gather to honour her life and offer support to the grieving family. At this stage, no further funeral details have been publicly announced.
Family Confirms DNA Results and Prepares for Funeral
For several days, the Ndaba family waited for the outcome of the DNA test. While the mother had identified the body at the mortuary, formal confirmation was necessary before the remains could be released.
“The DNA results came out yesterday, and it has been confirmed that the body is that of Vanessa,” a family member said. “The police have now released the body to the family for the funeral.”
The family had hoped for a different outcome. “We had hope that she would come back alive, but unfortunately, the worst happened,” they shared.
They also expressed gratitude to those who helped circulate the missing person alert during the search. “Thank you so much for your assistance. May the good Lord continue to bless you for the wonderful work you have done for us.”
The family is now focusing on memorial arrangements and preparing to lay the 32-year-old to rest.
Community Reaction to Missing Woman Found Dead in Johannesburg
The confirmation that a missing woman in Eikenhof was found dead has deeply affected residents in Johannesburg South. Many who followed the missing person updates online have shared messages of grief and anger.
Community members have raised concerns about safety in and around local taverns and informal transport options. The case has sparked renewed discussion about women’s safety in Gauteng, particularly when travelling at night.
In Eikenhof, residents say Vanessa’s death has left many families uneasy. The forest where her body was found is now linked to a tragedy that began with what appeared to be an ordinary night out.
Gauteng Murder Case: What Happens Next?
With the DNA confirmation complete and the body released, the focus now turns fully to the criminal investigation.
Police will continue gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and tracing possible leads connected to Vanessa’s final movements in the Jackson area of Eikenhof.
For the Ndaba family, the immediate priority is to honour her memory and find strength in the support of those around them.
The investigation continues. The family mourns. And a community waits for answers.
Other Active Missing Persons in South Africa
Across South Africa, many families are still searching for loved ones who have not returned home. Each case carries its own story and community appeal. If you recognise any of the names below or have information that may assist, please come forward and help bring answers to these families.
- De Villa Theodorus De Bruin, 49 – Last seen in Randburg
- Duncan Gerhard Koekemoer – Missing person case update
- Gabriel Toyana – Ongoing investigation
- David Waterboer– Missing since Friday, 7 February 2025, Northern Cape
- Kelebogile More – Community appeal for information. Missing since 14 February 2026
You can view the full list of active cases on our Missing Persons in South Africa – Latest Updates page.
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