Police have arrested a 36-year-old suspect after human remains were discovered in a pit toilet at a residence in Zone 5, Selosesha.

The remains are believed to be those of Puleng Motlodi (pictured), a 19-year-old woman who was reported missing in October 2023.

According to Free State police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Covane, a team comprising K9 Search and Rescue, Local Criminal Record Centre experts, and investigators made the grim discovery on Monday, 19 May.

The search followed new information obtained during the investigation into Motlodi’s disappearance. Although her family lost contact with her in July 2023, a missing person case was only officially opened three months later.

Following intensive inquiries, police identified and questioned a person of interest. The suspect allegedly revealed details implicating himself and three other men in Motlodi’s abduction. One of the men, a 40-year-old alleged ringleader currently incarcerated for business burglary, is said to have known Motlodi and instructed the group to abduct her from Zone 3.

The suspects reportedly took Motlodi to a house in Zone 5, where they drank alcohol and smoked dagga. The ringleader allegedly turned violent, strangled Motlodi, and with the help of the suspect in custody, they disposed her body in a pit toilet.

Acting on the suspect’s lead, police dismantled the toilet at the identified property and recovered items of clothing including a black windbreaker, a jersey, and women’s underwear. They also discovered human limb bones and a skull, which were collected for forensic analysis.

The original missing person case has now been reclassified as a kidnapping and murder investigation. Police have confirmed that the 36-year-old suspect is in custody, while charges will be brought against the 40-year-old convict. Efforts are underway to arrest the remaining two suspects.

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