By Teboho Moloi
QWAQWA – Three years after he vanished in the Metsimatsho Mountains, Katleho Motsoeneng has finally been laid to rest, bringing painful closure to his family.
Katleho went missing in December 2022 from Makwane Village after leaving home with friends who had come to take him to an initiation school. He never returned.
His remains were discovered in April 2025 when a shepherd stumbled upon a human skull, two bones, a tracksuit top and a necklace in the mountains. The bones were sent for forensic testing, and DNA results recently confirmed they were Katleho’s.
An intensive search involving police, relatives, community members and patrollers had followed his disappearance.
Family and community members gathered on Saturday, 28 February, to bid farewell.
Family spokesperson Derk Motsoeneng said the burial had brought long-awaited relief.
“At least he has been buried with dignity. Now we trust the investigation process and the authorities to ensure justice is served and those responsible are arrested,” he said.
Community patrollers who had helped search for Katleho attended the funeral, along with Ward 24, 30 and 35 councillors Masetjhaba Dlamini, Shashapa Motaung and Masetjhaba Lakaje Mosia.
The family says while they are grateful to have laid Katleho to rest, they now await justice.
