Nelspruit, Mpumalanga – Authorities are investigating the death of a 40-year-old woman whose body was recovered from a river this week, following her disappearance after heading to a job-related meeting.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) announced that the remains of Madeline Thandazile Ngomane were located on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, floating in a river next to Nelspruit Crushers. The discovery came two days after she was reported missing.
Ms. Ngomane, a resident of Nelspruit, was last observed leaving her home on the morning of Monday, 16 February 2026. Family members reported that she planned to take a bus into town to attend a scheduled meeting about a potential new employment opportunity. The appointment was set for around 07:00 that day.
When she failed to return home, relatives grew concerned and initiated a search while filing a missing person report with the police. The efforts concluded tragically with the finding of her body, which has been formally identified by a next of kin.
Police have not yet established the cause of death, and the details of the incident remain under active investigation. No further information on potential foul play or other circumstances has been released at this time.
The SAPS is urging anyone with relevant information to come forward to aid the inquiry. Individuals can contact Detective Sergeant Lucky Mashigo at 076 889 6780. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the SAPS Crime Stop line at 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App.
