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The body of Anathi Maguga, 29, a cake baker and business owner from Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, has reportedly been found after she went missing on Thursday evening.
Her family has confirmed her death in a statement expressing heartbreak and gratitude to members of the public who helped search for her.
“It brings our hearts deep pain that we announce the passing of our sister, Anathi Maguga. We would like to sincerely thank every person who shared her missing poster, everyone who organised meetings, and all who went out in large numbers to search for her, even in the darkest of fields. Your support, prayers and love meant everything to us.”
The family asked the public to continue keeping them in their prayers, adding that details of the funeral arrangements would be communicated later.
Nelson Mandela Bay mayor Babalwa Lobishe has also expressed condolences to the family and said she visited them after Maguga’s death.
She said she had been accompanied by the SAPS district leadership, including Brig Humphries and Col Dippenaar from the New Brighton police station and members of the Community Police Forum.
“My visit to the family followed a briefing on the progress of the investigation,” she said.
Lobishe assured the family of the ongoing efforts by police to investigate the circumstances surrounding Maguga’s death and ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.
She said she understood the family’s need for answers but cautioned against publicly disclosing sensitive information that could compromise the investigation or future legal proceedings.
“I therefore call on everyone to allow the investigating team the necessary space to carry out its mandate effectively.
“I am also mindful of the heightened emotions and public concern surrounding this matter. However, I caution against attempts by any political party or individual to exploit this tragedy for political point scoring. While public scrutiny and constructive engagement are legitimate and necessary in a democratic society, the suffering of the Maguga family must not be turned into an instrument for political opportunism.”
She acknowledged the anger and frustration expressed by the family, the community and members of the public, saying the tragedy highlighted the urgent need for a co-ordinated response to gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
“GBVF remains a serious societal challenge that continues to devastate families and communities. The tragic loss of Anathi Maguga reminds us that the fight against GBVF cannot be left to law enforcement agencies alone. It requires a sustained and co-ordinated response from all spheres of government, civil society, community organisations, political leadership and every member of society.”
Lobishe called for government resources and institutional capacity to be mobilised to strengthen prevention programmes, support victims and survivors, improve access to justice and ensure accountability for perpetrators.
The response to GBVF needed to move beyond expressions of outrage and translate into practical interventions and meaningful support for affected families.
Lobishe also urged members of the public to assist police by providing any information that could help investigators while refraining from spreading unverified information or engaging in conduct that could undermine the investigation.
TimesLIVE
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