Desperate search for missing teen

BUTTERWORTH police are looking for a missing teenage girl last seen going to her Saturday classes last weekend.

Nandipha Mtuzula, 19, is a Grade 12 pupil at Cunningham Senior Secondary School at Toleni village in Butterworth.

Butterworth police spokesman Captain Jackson Manatha said they were using all their resources to find the teenager. “Police are searching. We have our members who come on duty and go searching immediately. We are also using the dog unit.”

This is the same village infamous for being home to convicted serial killer Bulelani Mabhayi, who is serving 25 life terms.

Mtuzula’s cousin Luyanda Mjikeliso said they were distraught because her cousin disappeared the same week as the horrifying reports of young women who went missing and were later found murdered.

“Hearing that young women are being raped and burnt while your own daughter is missing is hard for the family. We are following up on every possible lead and we are begging the community to please help us look for her,” said Mjikeliso.

Her disappearance coincided with the discovery of the body of Karabo Mokoena of Diepkloof, Soweto, who went missing last month only for her body to be found burnt.

This comes as Butterworth police are investigating the rape of a 68year-old woman in a forest. The elderly woman went to collect firewood last Thursday morning when she was allegedly followed by a suspect.

“It is alleged that he borrowed an axe from the victim. He then allegedly threatened the victim with the same axe,” Manatha said.

“He overpowered the victim and allegedly raped her. The suspect is expected to be arrested soon as he is known to the victim.” —