A charred Isuzu double-cab bakkie, discovered ablaze near the Tzaneen airport in Limpopo on Saturday, 21 December, contained the burnt remains of an unidentified victim, leaving local residents shaken and demanding answers from authorities.
The grim discovery has ignited fears within the community, prompting calls for a swift and thorough investigation.
Limpopo police spokesperson, Lieutenant-Colonel Stephen Thakeng, confirmed the incident, stating that villagers alerted police to the burning vehicle at Tarentaal. Upon arrival, officers discovered a body in the driver's seat, completely unrecognisable due to the severity of the burns.
"Emergency medical services were summoned to the scene. The occupant was certified dead and the identity of the deceased as well as the bakkie are unknown," Lieutenant-Colonel Thakeng explained. The police have launched an inquest to determine the circumstances surrounding the death, and are actively seeking to identify the victim and their next of kin.
"We've registered an inquest case for further investigation after a bakkie and an unknown occupant burnt beyond recognition," Lieutenant-Colonel Thakeng added, appealing to the public for assistance.
He urged anyone with information that could help identify the victim or shed light on the events leading to the incident to contact Detective Sergeant Matome Machethe on 082 757 7555 or CrimeStop on 08600 10111.
The incident has understandably caused considerable anxiety amongst local villagers, who expressed their concerns and suspicions to local reporters. A 33-year-old villager voiced the community's apprehension: "We're now living in fear because we don't know if the deceased was murdered or not, but we suspect foul play. A person can't just burn to death inside a vehicle."
The villagers' unease is amplified by the timing of the incident, falling within the festive season. Another villager added: "It's the festive season and we want to feel safe. Someone somewhere might have seen what led to this tragic incident and are appealing to that person to come forward."
The community's plea reflects a deep-seated concern for their safety and security, particularly given the unexplained and violent nature of the death.
The police investigation is focused on establishing the identity of the deceased and determining the cause of death. The fact that the body was found in a burnt-out vehicle raises serious questions about whether the death was accidental or the result of foul play. The possibility of murder is a strong consideration given the circumstances, and the police will be examining all possible scenarios.
