KRIEL – The tranquillity of the community was shattered as concerns escalated over a series of reported missing persons cases culminating in tragic discoveries of lifeless bodies. The recent case involving Eleck Hlapha Mokoena, a 42-year-old resident of Kriel, has sent shockwaves through the community. Mokoena was reported missing on February 1, only to be found deceased in Delmas on Friday morning, February 9. The grim details surrounding his demise paint a harrowing picture, with his almost decomposed body discovered by a farmer along Old Devon road, adjacent to Delmas colliery South Shaft. Shockingly, Mokoena’s hands and legs were bound with a rope. According to information, Mokoena was last seen on Thursday after reported to be going to Johannesburg around 18h10. He left home wearing a pair of brown short trousers, a black Nike Golf T-shirt, as well as black sandals. Captain Nkosinathi Ndaba has confirmed that the body found is Mokoena after the family identified his body. Mokoena’s family asked to be given privacy as they are dealing with the loss and thank the public for assisting in finding their loved one. In an interview with the Highveld Chronicle, concerned community member Nomonde Sithole said, “We are shocked and sad as the community in Kriel. We are saying enough is enough. We are tired of having community members reported missing then later found dead.” “We want the police to work hard in finding those people or that person responsible for his death,” she said. “We are living in a cruel world, where people have no shame in having a person’s blood on their own hands. Where is Ubuntu amongst us as people?” Lwandle Zondo said. “I hope that the police find the people and they must be locked in jail. Our children are not safe at all. Not so long ago, a man was killed in Witbank found between Ogies road,” she said.
