Teenager found dead in pit toilet at Rashoop settlement; man charged

Police in the North West have charged a 46-year-old man with murder, kidnapping and defeating the ends of justice after the body of a missing 19-year-old was discovered concealed inside a locked pit toilet at the R61 Rashoop informal settlement near Brits.

How the body was found

The teenager had been reported missing on 7 August 2026, prompting a missing person investigation. Investigators received information linking a person of interest to the disappearance, and the suspect, identified as Johannes Mokoena, was apprehended.

Mokoena allegedly offered to show officers where the missing teenager could be found and led them to a locked pit toilet behind his shack. Upon opening it, police discovered the body of a teenage male, whose hands, legs and neck were allegedly bounded, North West police said.

Evidence recovered and arrest

During the investigation officers recovered and seized two golf clubs suspected to have been used in the commission of the crime, the police statement said. Mokoena was arrested and charged with murder, kidnapping and defeating or obstructing the ends of justice.

He first appeared in the Brits Magistrate’s Court on August 11 and was remanded in custody. He was expected to make a second court appearance on Thursday.

Police response

North West police spokesperson Colonel Anne Magakoe described how officers located the victim and the seized items. She said:

“Upon opening it, police discovered the body of a teenage male, whose hands, legs and neck were allegedly bounded.”

North West Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Arthur Adams commended those involved in the inquiry. According to the police statement, he:

commended the police and supporting role players for their swift response and collaborative efforts

Community impact

The discovery of the body concealed inside the pit toilet was reported to have sent shockwaves through the local community, the police statement said.

The investigation remains with North West police, who have laid charges and taken the suspect into custody.