The search for 19-year-old Stephen Nieuwoudt, who disappeared without a trace on Sunday, ended sadly on Tuesday when his body was found at the Botanical Garden in the Harrismith area.
Brig. Free State police spokesperson Motantsi Makhele said earlier that Nieuwoudt’s father, also Stephen, ran into the friend’s mother in Harrismith and asked where his son was. According to her, Stephen never arrived on the farm.
Nieuwoudt’s car was found abandoned in the Platberg area earlier today, but there was still no sign of him. Police officers, with the help of sniffer dogs and members of the community, searched the area at the Botanical Garden.
Col. Thandi Mbambo, police spokesperson, said a short time ago that Nieuwoudt’s body was found next to him with a gunshot wound to the head and a .270 rifle.
“At this stage no foul play is suspected and a forensic autopsy is being done,” she said.
Nieuwoudt’s family had earlier asked people on Facebook for prayers that he would be found.
