An Eastern Cape man is on the run after police discovered the body of his wife in a shallow grave under a bed in a shack outside their house in Breidbach.
Police said on Friday that they were looking for Iverno Baatjes in connection with the death of his wife, Carmelitta.
Police spokesperson, Captain Siphokazi Mawisa, said police were investigating a missing person’s report after the 36-year-old was reported missing on Sunday.
"Police visited her home in Breidbach where the couple lives. Her husband was interviewed to clear up information received from concerned community members about his wife's disappearance," Mawisa said.
She said during the interview "police noticed loose soil under a bed in an outside shack."
"The husband was requested to lift up the bed. When the detectives decided to further investigate, the husband fled the scene," Mawisa said.
Captain Mawisa said that another male suspect was arrested at the scene in connection with the case.
"The body of the reported missing woman was found lying underneath the bed, in a shallow grave. At the moment it is not clear as to how she was killed as there was no blood on the body," Mawisa said.
A case of murder has been opened for investigation.
The suspect will appear in the King William's Town Magistrate Court on Monday.
Anyone who might have information on the whereabouts of Eveno Baaitjies should contact KWT Police on 043 6010 100 or Captain Ndinisa on 082 441 9240.
