Who killed Limpopo teen Xilaveko Suke - and why is her father still missing?

What began as a missing persons case has turned into a chilling murder mystery, with a Limpopo teenager found stabbed at her father’s residence and her father nowhere to be found.

Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said officers in Hlanganani discovered the body of Xilaveko Suke on Christmas Day.

Suke and her father, Peter Themba Baloyi, were reported missing on Monday, December 22, after they allegedly left home, purportedly travelling to Giyani. 

“A public appeal was subsequently issued to solicit assistance from the community in tracing their whereabouts,” Ledwaba said.

Police received a report at about 8:50 am on December 25 regarding the discovery of a body at Baloyi’s place of residence. 

“Upon arrival at the scene, the deceased’s paternal grandmother pointed out the body of a young girl inside a one-room house,” Ledwaba said.

Police said the body was in a partial state of decomposition and had a visible stab wound.

However, Baloyi remains missing. 

“The whereabouts of the father, who was reported missing together with the deceased, remain unknown, and police are continuing with intensive efforts to trace him,” Ledwaba said.

In a further development, Ledwaba said police were alerted later that day to a fire at Baloyi’s house. 

“On Thursday, December 25, 2025, at around 6pm, police were alerted to the house of the deceased’s father, which was found burned,” Ledwaba said, adding that officers attended the scene.

“Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding this incident are ongoing,” he said.

Anyone with information that may assist police in tracing Baloyi or contribute to the investigation is urged to contact the investigating officer, Captain Walter Marivate, on 082 468 8673, or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111. 

Policr said information may also be submitted anonymously via the MySAPS App or at the nearest police station.

IOL News