CITRUSDAL – The search for 19-year-old West Coast College student Asemahle Hanisi ended in tragedy when she was found dead on Women’s Day, Sunday 9 August, a week after she was reported missing.

Captain FC van Wyk, spokesperson for the Western Cape Police, confirmed Hanisi’s death. She had been reported missing at the Citrusdal Policie Station on Monday 3 August.

“Her body was discovered at about 11:00 on Sunday, in an open field next to the Olifants River in Citrusdal. She was declared dead at the scene by EMS,” Van Wyk said.

Citrusdal police have opened a murder case for investigation, and no arrests have been made at this stage. The circumstances surrounding her death are under investigation.

According to her family, Hanisi attended the event before she and her friends allegedly planned to go to a tavern. The family said Hanisi had consumed a significant amount of alcohol.

The family further alleges that Hanisi was later seen with an older man whom her friends reportedly did not know. They allegedly tried to take Hanisi with them, but the man reportedly refused and insisted that she leave with him.

According to the family, Hanisi was quiet and said little at the time.

The family further alleges that the man became aggressive and assaulted Hanisi’s friends, after which they eventually left.

The exact circumstances surrounding her death, including what happened between her leaving with the man and the discovery of her body, remain unclear.

No information has yet been confirmed regarding a possible suspect or arrest.

Weslander is awaiting further information from the police and will publish additional details once they have been officially confirmed.