A 43-year-old woman from Seraleng, near Rustenburg, appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court on Monday in connection with the alleged murder of her 20-year-old daughter.
The accused, identified as Caroline “Granny” Mpane, abandoned her right to apply for bail. The case was postponed to December 12, 2025, to allow for further investigation.
According to court proceedings, the DNA test results are still pending and are expected to play a crucial role in the investigation. Authorities said the results would help confirm whether the human remains found in the family yard were indeed those of Mpane’s daughter and assist in determining the cause of death.
The South African Police Service confirmed that Mpane was arrested last Thursday at her home in Seraleng by Boitekong police, following the discovery of the remains. “A 43-year-old woman is scheduled to appear in the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court on Monday on charges of murder and defeating the ends of justice after human remains believed to be those of her 20-year-old daughter were exhumed from the family yard,” said Col. Adéle Myburgh, police spokeswoman for the North West province.
Police said the investigation began after a concerned family member raised alarm, noting that the young woman had not been seen for several months. When questioned, Mpane reportedly claimed that her daughter was visiting her father’s relatives in Limpopo Province. However, police said that the father was contacted and denied the accused’s version.
Officers conducting a search of the property discovered a concrete slab covering a suspicious area in the yard. An exhumation was carried out, leading to the recovery of the remains. Mpane was arrested immediately, police said.
Maj. Gen. (Dr.) Ryno Naidoo, the Acting Provincial Commissioner of the North West, welcomed the arrest. He commended the family member who reported the incident and urged the public to continue working with law enforcement. “We encourage members of the community to continue to collaborate with the police to address crime,” Naidoo said.
The investigation continues.