Unidentified Teen's Body Found Gutted In Shallow Grave With Heart, Genitals Missing

The body of an unidentified teenager was reportedly discovered buried in a shallow grave with his heart and genitals missing in Kroonstad, Free State of South Africa on Sunday, Sept. 19.

The body of a male teenager, aged 17 to 19 years old, with his heart and genitals dismembered was retrieved from a shallow grave in an open field in Kroonstad, Free State at about 10.45 p.m on Sunday, Sept. 19. The remains were initially discovered by two men who were looking for firewood near the area, News24 reported.

"Whilst walking along the railway line they saw a branch of a tree lying down. They went to investigate and realized that the soil underneath is soft. They removed branches and the soil, then two plastic bags in succession, and saw a human hand protruding from the ground," Free State police spokesperson Brigadier Motantsi Makhele said.

The teenager's corpse was exhumed by experts on Monday, Sept. 20. Weapons including sharp instruments and sticks that are believed to have been used to kill the teenager and to remove his heart and genitals were allegedly found near the body.

"He was lying on his back in the shallow grave with an injury on the forehead and a cut wound on the stomach. On closer inspection, it was discovered that the heart and genitals were removed. Weapons suspected to have been used, a sharp instrument and sticks were found in that shallow grave near the body," Makhele said.

Makhele said that a detailed investigation further revealed that the deceased teenager might have been killed and buried on Saturday night, Sept. 18, and that his body parts could have been used for an occult ritual, IOL reported.

"The suspects are still at large, while the deceased is unknown at this stage,’’ added Makhele.

Authorities have launched a detailed probe into the incident. They are trying to ascertain the identity of the victim and are looking for any leads that can help in the investigation.

Anyone who might have any leads or information regarding the deceased or the incident can contact Lieutenant-Colonel Moremoholo at 082 372 1436 or call Crime Stop at 08600 10111. They can also alternatively send their information via MySAPS App for anonymous tip-offs.