Missing Dad Found Hanging From Tree After Teen Daughter Murdered In Rotterdam Village

Police in Hlanganani have opened an inquest following the discovery of the body of missing 45-year-old Peter Themba Baloyi, whose teenage daughter was found murdered a day earlier in the same village.

Baloyi’s body was discovered on Friday, 26 December 2025, in nearby bushes at Rotterdam Village, bringing a tragic development to a case that has gripped the local community.

Father Found Dead a Day After Daughter’s Murder

Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that Baloyi’s body was found at around 13:30, hanging from a tree.

An inquest docket has been opened to establish the circumstances surrounding his death.

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Baloyi is the father of 15-year-old Xilaveko Suke, whose body was discovered on Christmas Day inside a one-room house at the family property.

Teen Reported Missing Before Grim Discovery

Both father and daughter had been reported missing earlier in the week.

Xilaveko was last seen on Monday, 22 December, after she allegedly left home with her father, who was believed to be travelling with her to Giyani.

A public appeal was issued after concerned relatives reported them missing.

“Police received a report on Thursday, December 25, at around 08:50 am regarding a body at Baloyi’s residence. Upon arrival, the victim’s paternal grandmother pointed out the body of the young girl inside the one-room house,” said Ledwaba.

Stab Wound, House Fire and Ongoing Investigations

Ledwaba said police found the teenager’s body in a partially decomposed state.

“The body was in a partially decomposed state and had a visible stab wound,” he said.

“A murder case was opened for investigation.”

Later on Christmas Day, police were alerted to another disturbing incident at the same property.

At around 6pm, Baloyi’s house was found burning. Officers attended the scene and investigations into the arson incident are continuing.

Ledwaba confirmed that police investigations into both the murder of the teenager and the inquest into Baloyi’s death remain ongoing.

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