By Kaya 959 Reporter
Police in Mpumalanga are appealing for community assistance after a pregnant woman’s body was found in the Crocodile River at the weekend.
SAPS spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli said officers were alerted to the horrific discovery on Sunday.
“Upon arrival at the scene, the woman was unfortunately certified dead by the paramedics. A preliminary probe by the police suggests that the woman was pregnant. She further had a gunshot wound and has not yet been identified,” he said.
The woman, who is estimated to be in her 30s, had short blonde hair and it is said that she was wearing pink trousers as well as a maroon t-shirt.
Lieutenant General Manamela further expressed her disappointment that the woman was murdered during a month where women should be celebrated and more so as there are indications that she was expecting. The Provincial Commissioner has ordered a swift arrest of the suspect.
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Gender-based violence South Africa
Residents are urged to assist the SAPS with information on the whereabouts of the suspect or the woman’s family by contacting the Investigating Officer, Detective Constable Andrea Terrance Mthunzi Maphanga at 082 4691604 or the Branch Commander, Captain Ishmael Zephania Phiri at 0824691542.
Alternatively, members of the public can call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP.
All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
Meanwhile, advocacy group Greenpeace has said there is no cause for celebration as women continue to suffer.
People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA) Counselling Services Manager Jeanette Sera said South Africa has some of the highest rates of gender-based violence in the world.
“Currently, a woman is murdered every three hours in our country, and our femicide rate is almost five times higher than the global average.
“Our vision is a safe and equal society intolerant of all forms of violence against women and girls in all our diversity, where we are treated with respect and dignity and our rights are promoted,” she said.
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