The South African community is reeling after the brutal murder of 17-year-old Koketso Ramahlo, whose body was discovered in a shocking state on New Year’s Day.
Three men, aged between 20 and 22, have been arrested in connection with her grisly death. The suspects are set to appear in court on January 7 to face murder charges.
Koketso’s partially burned body was found in the street near her home in Hammanskraal, Gauteng province.
The discovery, made by her grandmother on January 3, sent shockwaves through the family. Relatives were devastated to learn the girl had been found naked and lifeless.
The family had been desperately searching for Koketso after she failed to return home following a night out celebrating New Year’s Eve.
According to a close family friend, Julia Mkhari, Koketso had left her home with friends on December 31, returning briefly to change clothes before going out again.
When she didn’t return the next day, her family became worried and began searching.
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The pain felt by Koketso’s family was described as unbearable. Her mother, Nkhenthani Ramahlo, has been too grief-stricken to speak to the media, but Mkhari shared the heartache on her behalf.
“The family is still reeling from the shock,” Mkhari said. “We never thought something like this could happen to us.”
In the wake of the tragedy, the community rallied together, organizing a manhunt for the alleged killers.
Local leader Bulo Dinokeng urged calm, calling on residents to refrain from vigilante actions despite the deep anger and distress felt over the murder.
“Speculation about the killer’s identity is premature,” he cautioned.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities continue to piece together the details surrounding the crime.