A Hammarsdale community is reeling from shock following the discovery of the body of a young man who had been missing for more than two months.
Police found the body of 20-year-old Zothani Zungu in a shallow grave in Mlaba Village on Wednesday.
Zungu was reportedly last seen with friends in May. His disappearance prompted a search involving his family, community members, the Community Policing Forum (CPF), Community in Blue and police.
Local resident Sbongiseni Ngubane said the community had been actively searching for Zungu since his family reported him missing.
Following the discovery of his body, police arrested two suspects, aged 19 and 20, in connection with his death.
Ngubane claims the two suspects were friends of Zungu. A third person is reportedly still being sought.
The arrests have left the community devastated, particularly as the suspects are believed to be from the same area.
“We were very worried, and we are still worried even now. Since May, the community, the CPF, Community in Blue and the police have all been searching,” Ngubane said.
He said residents had circulated photographs and videos of Zungu and appealed to the public for information that could help locate him.
Ngubane said the community remained deeply affected by the discovery and the subsequent arrests.
“One other person is still missing; we don't know whether he fled or where he is,” he said.
He added that the families of the young men implicated in the case had reportedly since moved away, leaving their homes in Mlaba Village unoccupied.
Police investigations into Zungu’s death are continuing, while authorities are still searching for the third suspect.