Human remains found at Mangwele mountain in Siloam

Police in Limpopo have launched an inquest after human remains were discovered on Mangwele Mountain in the Siloam policing area, Vhembe District, on Monday, 1 December 2025.

The grim discovery was made shortly before 13:00, when the Community Service Centre (CSC) Commander at Siloam SAPS received a call from a community member who had spotted a skull and bones on the mountain.

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Police officers immediately responded and were led by residents to the exact location of the remains. Upon arrival, they found a decomposed skull and scattered bones alongside several personal items, including clothing, a black purse, a handbag, an ID card, and a cellphone concealed under a large stone. Members of the SAPS Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) were activated to process the scene.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the items may belong to a woman from Tshiheni Village who was reported missing in September 2022. A missing person enquiry had been opened at Siloam SAPS at the time.

During the scene investigation, a family member positively identified the clothing and ID card as belonging to the missing woman, believed to be her mother.

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The skeletal remains were collected by the LCRC for DNA testing to conclusively confirm the identity of the deceased. Police say further investigation will determine the circumstances surrounding the death, including whether any foul play was involved.

Authorities have urged community members with any information to come forward as the probe continues.