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UPDATE: The woman was identified this morning, September 5, as Velencia Kelly (20) from Extension 36 in Bethelsdorp. Her family last saw her about three weeks ago. An inquest docket is under investigation.
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WARNING: This article contains pictures of the deceased's tattoos as found on her partially decomposed body and may be upsetting to sensitive readers.
SAPS Bethelsdorp detectives are urgently seeking the community's assistance in tracing the next-of-kin of an unidentified woman that was found in a stormwater drain on Wednesday, August 31, 2022.
It is alleged that at about 17:50, municipal workers were working in the area of KwaNoxolo clearing blockages in stormwater drains, when they came across the body of an unknown female found inside the drain at the back of Nompumelelo Street. The woman is believed to be a coloured female between the ages of 20-30 years. She had no visible injuries and her body was already in a state of decomposition. She was naked when found.
According to police spokesperson, Col. Priscilla Naidu, the deceased had several tattoos on her foot, arm and back. "On her right foot, she had several sizes of hearts and her left forearm sported a bible with a cross and a crown above it. On her back the name VELENCIA RIP followed by the name/word PAILO is written," Naidu said.
"At this stage police have opened an inquest pending the postmortem report," she added.
Anyone who can assist SAPS Bethelsdorp with their investigation, know of a female that has been missing for a while or may be able to identify the deceased woman through the tattoos, is urgently asked to contact D/Sgt. Attie Knoetze on 084 660 8003 or 041 404 3064. Crime Stop can also be contacted on 08600 10111 or they can visit the nearest police station.
