Missing South Africa student found dead two days after boyfriend commits suicide

A 20-year-old student in South Africa, who went missing on 29 August, has been found killed in Limpopo. Kgaogelo Shai’s partially decomposed body was discovered on Monday in a dry stream.

She was allegedly last seen with her boyfriend Rodney Kgatla, who died in a suspected suicide two days after her disappearance.

Kgatla was out on parole after serving 10 years for killing a previous girlfriend, SABC reports.

In an earlier interview with SABC News, Shai’s sister, Pelma, described her as a good person and obedient.

“She is a good child, who is very talkative and always smiling. She has never held grudges against anyone or gets angry easily.”

Following the discovery of her body, the family has requested space to make necessary legal arrangements. Shai’s relatives say they were unaware of the relationship or Kgatla’s criminal past.

Provincial Social Development spokesperson Witness Tiva says tackling gender-based violence remains a priority.

“We are very worried about the continuing incidents of gender-based violence. What we have done as the department is to ensure that our Social Workers are with the family since the 20-year-old TVET college student was reported missing. And they will remain with the family during this trying period.”

South  Africa is facing increased cases of gender based violence.