The Harrismith police are investigating the death of lovers who were found dead on two seperate scenes in the area. The investigations surround the murder of a woman identified as Puseletso Paulinah Motsimo (44), and an inquest after her boyfriend was found dead elsewhere.
WO Mmako Mophiring, spokesperson for the police, said the woman’s body was found in a house in the Tshiame B section on Monday, 15 January, while the boyfriend’s body was found in the bush yesterday. At about 17:35, the police found a man’s body hanging from a tree’s branch in the industrial area of Harrismith, with no injuries sustained.
According to Mophiring, the boyfriend originated from Lesotho and was a prime suspect in the murder of the woman. He said the identity of the man was being withheld while awaiting identification by his next of kin.
“The boyfriend was a prime suspect in the murder of Motsimo. His body was found hanging on a tree, raising suspicion that he committed suicide upon learning he was wanted for questioning regarding the death of Motsimo. No foul play is suspected regarding the man’s death. The police have opened an inquest docket for investigation,” said Mophiring.
Mophiring said Motsimo’s brother alerted the police after he had been unable to get hold of her.
“Upon the police’s arrival at the house, the door was forced opened and the woman was found lying in a pool of blood. She was declared dead by emergency medical service personnel. She was positively identified by her brother. The woman appeared to have been severely assaulted,” said Mophiring.
He said according to information received, Motsimo’s lover had been staying with her at the house where she was found murdered.
