Upington police have opened an inquest docket after the body of a woman was discovered inside a deep freezer at her residence on Tuesday.
The gruesome find came just hours after her husband reported her missing, setting off a search that ended in tragedy within the walls of their own home.
Lieutenant-Colonel Thabo Litabe confirmed that the discovery was made in the late afternoon.
“The police in Upington have registered an inquest docket for investigation following the discovery of the body of a 46-year-old female in a freezer at her residence in Upington on 31 March 2026 at 4.05pm,” he said.
The woman’s husband had approached authorities earlier that same day, alarmed by her disappearance.
Litabe noted that the missing person report was filed around mid-morning, several hours before the body was found.
“The deceased was reported missing by her husband on 31 March 2026 about 10am,” he said.
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Search launched after husband raises alarm
Following the missing person report, a search was conducted, which ultimately led investigators back to the couple’s own property.
“After a search was launched for her, her body was discovered inside a deep freezer located in a storeroom at their residence on the same day,” Litabe said.
The proximity of the discovery to the family home has raised questions that investigators are now working to answer.
“All information and reports will form part of the ongoing investigation that is currently underway,” Litabe said.
Autopsy to shed light on cause of death
The cause of death has not yet been determined.
“An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death,” he said.
Until those results are available, the investigation remains open and active.
Police urge anyone with information to come forward
Authorities are appealing to members of the public who may have any information relevant to the case to make contact with the investigating team.
Tips can be shared through multiple channels and sources will be protected.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Upington detective unit directly on 054 337 3435, or to reach the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Moffat Silingile, on 082 495 4615.
Litabe also pointed to additional avenues available to the public.
“Information can alternatively be submitted via the MySAPS app or the SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111,” he said.
“Information will be treated confidentially.”
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