MPIUMALANGA – The Police in Mpumalanga have issued a statement to address recent allegations of misconduct during the exhumation of a victim’s body in Pienaar on Monday, July 1, 2024. The police were tasked with retrieving the body of Ms. Bonisiwe Mabuza, 37, who was buried by her assailants.
According to South African Police Service, there have been accusations that the officers involved neglected their duty by failing to properly level and close the grave after exhumation. However, they clarified that the grave was appropriately leveled in the presence of senior SAPS managers, media representatives, and the victim’s family. The police also noted that they are investigating an unexplained opening that appeared on the grave post-exhumation, which may have been caused by animals attracted to the site.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, emphasized the police’s commitment to their constitutional duties, conducted professionally and respectfully. He called on the public to cooperate with law enforcement to enhance community safety and combat crime.