Limpopo family mourns the loss of a miss boy

The family of the Bothashoek young boy who died in the mountain wants the state to release the results and remains of William Malatjie for his burial.

By Thomo Nkgadima

A Limpopo family is appealing for the return of the human remains believed to be of a 15 year-old who disappeared some months ago and his lifeless decomposed beyound recognition human remains were found in the mountain by hunters.

The discovery of human remains by hunters the family belive to be of their missing son ‘s remains from Bothashoek outside Burgersfort, Limpopo.

In a bizzare situation Tetelo William Malatjie was reported missing 02 August 2024.

According to Limpopo police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba Malatjie was last seen 27 July 2024 wearing blue sky shirt, blue jersey and sandals.

Now what is belived to be Tetelo ‘s human remains were discovered by hunters during Saturday,9 November 2024 near in the mountain a walk away distance from his home.

The family is waiting for confirmation results test from Limpopo forensic pathology.

Limpopo department of health spokesperson Neil Shikwambane said “Once the results are available, our Forensic unit will hand them over to the police since they are a subject of investigation”.

Shikwambane said” The family will be advised by the investigation officer. But this need to be emphasized that it is not an overnight activity”.

Tetelo’s mother died five year’s ago and he was raised by her grandnother who told us during vosit to the family that her grandchild was born with mentaly illness and was a slow learner at school.

Tetelo’s remains have since been taken away to determine the cause of death.This action forms part of the investigation for the inquest case opened by the Tubatse police.

The cause of death is unknown, and it is also unknown if the 15-year-old deceased was alive when he was left to decompose in the mountain ir weather his body parts were removed.

These are the details the inquest case seeks to clarify. Police are saddened by this incident and they are trying hard to fast-track investigation to unearth the truth about the cause and his demise.

However, Malatjie’s grieving family say they cannot wait any longer to bring closure to the tragedy that has befallen them for many months.

They say they want their son’s remains to be given a dignified burial and find closure.The family have also positively identified him with his clothes he was last seen the day he disappeared despite without any visible mortal injuries.

Tissue samples have been taken from the bodies of family members in order for DNA tests to be conducted.

Family continue to get psycosocial counselling and debriefing from local religious leaders but the wait is weighing down heavily on the family, spiritually, psycologically and financially.The health of the grandmother is detoriarating.

According to a community leader, Calvin Thwala They have generated money more than hundred thousand from generous community members including local business owners to get the human remains of Tetelo Malatjie.

Thwala said “This unecessary long process is straining and deepening our pain and suffering”.