Zinhle Mchunu was last seen in Umlazi C Section on 22 November 2025

Zinhle Mchunu, who was previously reported missing in Umlazi, has been found murdered in a case that has shocked the local community.

According to information provided by her family, Zinhle was last seen in Umlazi C Section on 22 November 2025. After days of searching and appeals on social media, her body was discovered buried inside a suitcase in the Umlazi area.

Family members say they were devastated by the discovery and are still struggling to come to terms with the brutality of the crime.

Police have confirmed that a 23-year-old man, believed to be Zinhle’s boyfriend, has been arrested in connection with the murder. The suspect is reportedly from Ladysmith. The family alleges that the suspect has admitted to killing Zinhle, although police have not yet confirmed this in court.

The motive for the killing has not been made public. Zinhle’s boyfriend is expected to appear in court soon, where further details may emerge.

Zinhle’s family has called for justice and urged young women to be cautious in relationships where warning signs are present.

This is a developing story. Updates will be added as more information becomes available.

• Related cases under investigation

Reuben Marsberg case | Limpopo

In a separate case in Limpopo, 22-year-old diesel mechanic Reuben Marsberg from Louis Trichardt was reported missing on 27 November 2025 after failing to return to pick up his younger brother in the Levubu area. His cellphone was switched off, and family members raised the alarm when he could not be reached.

Three days later, Reuben’s 1999 Toyota Land Cruiser was found abandoned and partially stripped outside Polokwane International Airport. Further investigations led police to the Makhado area, where a severely decomposed body wrapped in a blanket was discovered near a correctional services facility. Police indicated the remains had a gunshot wound, but stated that DNA testing is still required to formally confirm the identity.

A 24-year-old suspect, Duncan Gerhard Koekemoer, has been arrested and appeared in the Vuwani Magistrate’s Court facing charges including murder, house robbery, and possession of stolen property. The case has been postponed for further investigation, while the Marsberg family has appealed for accuracy and restraint as forensic processes continue.

Loganathan Govender case | KwaZulu-Natal

Another murder case under investigation involves 57-year-old businessman Loganathan Govender, known as Logan, from Glenwood in Durban. He was reported missing on the morning of 20 October 2025 after leaving his business premises in Umbilo and failing to return.

Later that evening, a member of the public discovered a deceased man in bushes off Benson Road in Montclair. SAPS attended the scene and the body was formally identified as Govender. Police confirmed that he had sustained two gunshot wounds, and a 9mm cartridge casing was recovered at the scene.

Govender’s white Ford Ranger and his cellphone have not been recovered. Montclair SAPS is investigating the case under CAS 133/10/2025. No arrests have been confirmed, and police have appealed to the public for information.

Missing child alert | Help Find Maia De Bruyn Missing in Eco Park Estate

Police and family members are searching for two-year-old Maia De Bruyn, whose whereabouts are currently unknown.

Maia was last seen at Eco Park Estate on 6 December 2025 at around 16:00. She has brown curly hair and brown eyes, and was last seen wearing a light blue and white checkered baby outfit.

According to her father, Maia was taken by her mother on the night of 13 December 2025. The parents are separated. He says consent was initially requested for travel, but communication stopped when further details about the destination and return date were requested. Since then, the family has been unable to make contact and does not know where Maia or her mother is.

The matter has been formally reported to the South African Police Service through the SAPS app under reference number REF12017/2025. Police are following up to confirm the child’s safety and current location.

Anyone with information that may assist is urged to contact SAPS and quote the case number, or contact Maia’s father, Duane de Bruyn, on 060 825 6325.

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