DNA analysis is expected to determine whether a decomposed body found between Peddie and Dikeni is that of Thulani Ngqongqo, truck driver and a former East London radio producer, who disappeared nearly three weeks ago.
Ngqongqo, 38, was last seen leaving his family home in Tsholomnqa, outside East London, on March 2 at about 8pm. He was expected to arrive in Gqeberha later that evening.
Originally from Mdantsane, Ngqongqo had been visiting his family in Tsholomnqa, and was driving his white Toyota Corolla.
His concerned family opened a missing persons case when Nqgonqgo failed to show up for work in Gqeberha. Both his work and personal phones were off.
On Monday afternoon, a decomposed body was found in the bush between Mankone and Gwabeni villages on the R345 between Peddie and Dikeni.
Ngqongqo’s family was alerted to help with identification.
Provincial police spokesperson Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli said police had not yet confirmed the body was that of Ngqongqo.
“We are still awaiting DNA results, and the process has already been started.
“The body we found was really decomposed so we couldn’t confirm whether it is him or not. DNA will give us that indication.”
Police use DNA analysis from hard tissue like bones and teeth, as they are more resistant to decomposition than soft tissue. Nails can also be a valuable source of DNA .
A relative said they had no information to share at present.
“We were notified of the body and we can’t say anything until the DNA tests have been completed. We should know in a week.
“Other than that, we still say he is missing and ask people to continue to assist us.”
Police spokesperson Captain Hazel Mqala said a preliminary investigation had yielded no results.
According to media reports, Agri EC cameras picked up Ngqongqo’s white Toyota driving 120km inland “in the opposite direction of Gqeberha”, with a passenger in the front seat.
However, a source told the Dispatch both the driver and passenger were unknown.
Ngqongqo works as a bulk truck operator for Reef Tankers in Gqeberha.
Before that, he worked for a number of years as a radio producer at a local East London radio station. He also managed several local artists.
In June 2024, Monwabisi Ntoyimbi, 46, went missing under mysterious circumstances from Shushu village near Qonce.
His body was found by a shepherd in open veld nearby.
A few weeks earlier, the body of Zintle Takane, 24, who had been reported missing, was found in a shallow grave in Fort Beaufort six days after her disappearance.
Takane’s family sent her boyfriend, 34, to her home to look for her, and he came back saying he did not know where she was.
He was arrested in connection with her death on the day her body was found.
Daily Dispatch
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.