11 Feb 2016

Residents of Nxaraga and peripheral settlements were left reeling in shock after a badly decomposed body of a man was found in the bush at Marula cattle post on Tuesday afternoon (February 9).

Some residents who thronged the scene could not identify the deceased because the upper part was badly decomposed until his father who was on his way from Maun to the cattle post identified him as his son.

In an interview, the cousin to the deceased Mr Marukuavi Hangi, said the deceased was found by his younger brother who was looking for some donkeys in the bush.

He said the younger brother who was on his way to Nxaraga decided to look for their missing donkeys around the area and found the deceased lying in the bush next to a big tree.

He said they reported the matter to police in Nxaraga who later informed Maun office. Mr Hangi said the deceased passed by his home last week on his way to the cattle post holding a rope informing him that he had returned home to sell cattle.

However, Detective Sub Inspector Steven Khethiwe of Criminal Investigation Division confirmed the incident noting that they received a call from their fellow officers in Nxaraga and immediately rushed to the scene.

He said they suspect that the deceased could have committed suicide as they found a piece of a rope around his neck and another piece from the tree next to him.

He said the deceased aged 38 was reported to be working at Choppies Supermarket in Ghanzi and was seen last week in Nxaraga visiting a friend holding a rope. Detective Sub Inspector Khethiwe revealed that the deceased father informed them that his son was staying in Ghanzi and they did not know that he came home.

Since the body was badly decomposed, a team of experts including a medical doctor from Letsholathebe II Memorial hospital came to the scene to carry out their duties and after that the deceased family agreed to bury the corpse same day at the cattle post.

The police chief said incidents of suicide and murder amongst youth are worrisome in their policing area. He appealed to the public to seek assistance and advice from social workers, pastors, parents and dikgosi if they have problems. Ends