A prayer for the safe return of 30-year-old Disebo Mosupa, who has been missing since July 15, was called off after she was found dead at a cemetery in Welkom.
Mosupa, who worked as youth development officer in the Matjhabeng Local Municipality, was found buried in a shallow grave atop an already existing grave at Thabong Cemetery in Welkom. The discovery was made at around lunch time on Friday.
Her partner of three years has been arrested in connection with the murder. The man, 37, allegedly revealed the location of the body during interrogation by the Welkom Detective Services officers.
Reported missing by her father
Mosupa was reported missing by her father on July 15. He had visited her on July 14 but found her home locked. When he returned the next day, the doors were open, and the house was ransacked. He reported her missing at the Welkom police station.
The Free State branch of the ANC Women’s League called off a search. It was scheduled to start at 9am at the Welkom Central Park, followed by a prayer meeting at 3pm on Friday.
Provincial ANC Youth League’s Mayibuye Bangani said the search for Mosupa was a joint effort. The youth league, its women’s arm and members of the community collaborated with the police in the search.
“The search for Mosupa started on Wednesday. By Thursday, working with the community, we had shared crucial information with the police to help in the arrest,” he said.
He said the search party was called off on Thursday after the suspect was taken for questioning.
Suspect led police to her body in a cemetery
“The first few days when a person is missing are critical. And it is important for the community to work with the police to help them with information,” he said.
Tributes continued to pour in for Mosupa on social media where news of her disappearance was shared.
A shocked and heartbroken Ngozo Maponya Thapelo wrote on Facebook: “I don’t know what it is. But as men of Free State we need to do something about GBV. Every time a woman goes missing, we already know what will be the outcome. We can’t carry on like this.”
Police said investigations are continuing.
