Family’s 17-day search ends in heartbreak after Itumeleng Kekana found in Kempton Park

After 17 days of searching, a family from QwaQwa discovered their relative’s body near the R21, ending a period of desperate hope and painful questions.

Search from QwaQwa to Kempton Park

According to IOL, for 17 days, Themba Kekana and his family searched for his younger sister, Itumeleng, hoping they would find her alive. They travelled from QwaQwa to Kempton Park, visited police stations, hospitals, clinics and mortuaries, and searched open fields, bushes and dumping sites.

The discovery

According to IOL, on August 3 a woman’s body was found near a river along the R21, and the family was called to the scene. They found Itumeleng’s body partially clothed, with bruises and injuries to her face. Her face was unrecognisable, leaving the family struggling to comprehend what had happened to her.

Identification and background

According to IOL, the family positively identified the body as Itumeleng. The report says the 32-year-old was originally from QwaQwa and had been living in Kempton Park with her boyfriend.

Last known contacts

According to IOL, the last conversation before Itumeleng disappeared was on July 17. Themba said he had spoken to his sister that day; it was his 44th birthday and Itumeleng called to wish him well.

“That was the last time I spoke with her and she then disappeared,” he said.

According to IOL, a colleague later told the family that Itumeleng had been chatting on her phone at about 7pm, then suddenly stood up and said she would be back. The colleague initially believed she had gone to meet a client because she sold beauty and household products and also worked as a tailor. The following day the colleague contacted the family to say Itumeleng had gone missing.

Family appeal and aftermath

According to IOL, the family has called on police to investigate CCTV footage from a camera near where Itumeleng’s body was found.

“There is CCTV footage not far from where we found her body and we hope the police will analyse the footage and help us understand what happened to her,” Themba told IOL.

According to IOL, Itumeleng was laid to rest in QwaQwa on August 22. The report states her 14-year-old daughter is now living with her grandparents.

Investigation context

According to IOL, police are investigating the deaths of multiple women whose bodies were discovered at various locations across Ekurhuleni. Police have offered a reward for information that could assist in identifying and arresting those responsible.

What the family is asking

According to IOL, the Kekana family has urged authorities to pursue available leads and to examine nearby CCTV to establish what happened to Itumeleng.