Four Arrested As Burnt Body Of Missing Woman Found In East London

Four suspects have appeared in court following the brutal killing of 30-year-old Zovuyo Mbana, whose burnt body was discovered near the N6 highway in East London.

Mbana, from KuGompo City, was reported missing after she was last seen on Sunday, 29 March 2026, leaving Malcomess Park in Southernwood with a colleague after work.

Her body was found the following day near Kwetyana village, close to Bridle Drift Dam in the Mdantsane area.

Victim Sent Frantic Messages Fearing for Her Life

According to her brother, Sikhusele Mbana, Mbana had expressed fear for her safety days before her death.

She reportedly shared her live location via WhatsApp while meeting an acquaintance on 25 March, with locations traced to Amalinda and Mdantsane.

“They left with her, and she sent messages to people that she was attending a business meeting … she managed to send live locations around 8pm that she didn’t trust where she was going,” he said. “She [must have been] suspicious because she had never done so before.”

Police Reveal Disturbing Details of Murder After Body Found

Provincial police spokesperson Nobuntu Gantana said investigations uncovered chilling details about the killing.

“It is alleged that the victim was strangled inside a vehicle. Following the murder, three suspects searched for a location just off the N6 to dispose of the body. At the scene, they reportedly placed old tyres on the victim’s corpse and set it alight. The victim’s personal belongings were discarded; one cellphone was later found near a river close to the body,” she said.

Three suspects, aged 30, 30 and 40, have been charged with kidnapping and murder.

“During the investigation, a fourth suspect was identified as the alleged mastermind who paid the others to commit the murder,” Gantana added.

Alleged Mastermind Accused of Paying for Killing

Police allege the fourth suspect orchestrated the crime and paid the others a total of R11,000 — R6,000 before the murder and R5,000 afterwards.

He has been charged with conspiracy to commit murder.

The accused — Temoso Manemela, Aviwe Jilingise, Gladys Rethablile Ramodi and George Jude Plaatjies — appeared in the local magistrates court, where the case was postponed to 10 April for a formal bail application.

Mbana’s family attended court, struggling to come to terms with her death.

“We are more than shocked. We are hurting. Zovuyo was a hustling person who worked very hard. We are still waiting for DNA tests and the postmortem to be able to decide on a date for the burial,” her brother said.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Fire Tears Through Historic Durban Church On Easter Friday

Her uncle, Quincy Pule, described her as a determined and respectful young woman.

“We last spoke last month, and she was inviting me to see the salon, but I never had time. We are very hurt. We want justice to prevail. Her mother cannot even come to court … She is at home crying,” he said.

Eastern Cape Social Development MEC Bukiwe Fanta condemned the killing.

“Zovuyo embodied hope and ambition, and her untimely death serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive violence that continues to plague our society, particularly against women.

“Such acts not only rob individuals of their lives but also fracture the very fabric of our communities. We stand for justice. We stand for her voice that was silenced far too soon.

“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are held accountable and face the full force of the law. We cannot allow this tragedy to go unpunished; it is imperative that justice prevails.”

Police confirmed the investigation is ongoing.