South Africa – Police in the Eastern Cape have opened two murder cases after discovering the burnt bodies of two young women in bushes at Khayelitsha outside Gqeberha on Wednesday morning. The victims are believed to be aged between 17 and 19.
Police were notified about the bodies near bushes adjacent to Fourth Avenue in Khayelitsha township. Officers from Kwanobuhle Police Station arrived to find the severely burnt remains.
“Upon arrival, members discovered the severely burnt bodies of two unidentified victims,” said police spokesperson Andre Beetge in a statement. He confirmed preliminary investigations suggest the victims were teenage girls.
The identities of the deceased remain unknown. Police have not confirmed the cause of death or whether the victims were burnt before or after death.
“The motive for this careless act is also unknown and forms a critical part of the ongoing investigations being conducted by Kwanobuhle Police,” Beetge said.
The discovery adds to growing concerns about violence in Gqeberha’s townships. The city has experienced several violent incidents in recent months, including mass shootings and targeted killings.
Eastern Cape province records one of South Africa’s highest murder rates per capita at 17.6 per 100,000 population, according to recent crime statistics. The province trails only behind Western Cape in violent crime incidents.
Police have appealed to community members with information to come forward. “We urge anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area or has information about missing persons to contact the investigating officer,” Beetge said.
The Khayelitsha area, located on the outskirts of Gqeberha, has seen increased police patrols following recent crime surges. However, residents continue to express concerns about safety, particularly for young women.
No arrests have been made. The investigation continues as forensic teams work to identify the victims through DNA testing and missing persons reports.
Anyone with information can contact Kwanobuhle Police Station or call the Crime Stop hotline on 08600 10111.
