A Soshanguve family is demanding justice after the body of 20-year-old aspiring barcadi artist Palesa Koketso Tsotetsi was found inside a dustbin.
The shocking discovery was made in Extension 2, Soshanguve, Tshwane, on Tuesday, 16 June 2026.
Palesa, who was from Extension 4, had big dreams in music. She was described by her family as a talented singer, dancer and up-and-coming barcadi artist.
Her death has left relatives shattered and searching for answers. Police have opened a murder case, and three suspects have been arrested.
Family Last Saw Palesa on Friday
According to the family, Palesa was last seen on Friday, 12 June. Her uncle, Setjhaba Tsotetsi, said she had gone to collect money from clients ekasi.
He said the family still does not understand how she ended up dead inside a dustbin. The family was expecting to celebrate her life, not bury her.
Palesa had been making birthday plans and was looking forward to celebrating with relatives and friends. Instead, those plans have turned into mourning.
Body Found in a Dustbin
The family said Palesa’s body was found in the early hours of Tuesday, 16 June, at around 4am. Setjhaba said they were told that a man had been seen pushing the dustbin at night before running away.
He said three men who were walking at night later pushed the dustbin, possibly thinking there was something valuable inside. Inside, they found Palesa’s body.
Her uncle said the family was disturbed that she had been covered with a pillow. He questioned how anyone could push a dustbin without checking what was inside.
Police Open Murder Case
Tshwane district police spokesman Captain Johan van Dyk confirmed that a murder case was opened. He said three suspects had been arrested.
According to police, a complainant reported that the dustbin was found in a passage between houses in Soshanguve.
Police said the female body inside the dustbin was wearing grey track pants, black socks and a black wool jersey. She also had a red doek on her head.
Police said she was bleeding through the nose, and there were no visible injuries. The motive remains unknown.
Family Wants the Truth
Palesa’s family is not satisfied with the unanswered questions around her death.
Setjhaba said they had heard claims that Palesa overdosed on tablets. However, he said the family suspects something more happened.
He said Palesa had only been taking painkillers for a painful leg. The family also questioned why someone would dump her body in a dustbin if she had simply overdosed.
They want investigators to establish exactly what happened before her death. Their biggest question remains painful and direct: why was Palesa dumped in a dustbin?
Mum Left Heartbroken
Palesa’s mother, Lebohang Tsotetsi, said she is heartbroken. She had been preparing for her daughter’s birthday celebration. Palesa had spoken excitedly about the kind of event she wanted.
Her mother said Palesa did not want anything too expensive. She wanted a stretch white tent and planned to close the street for the celebration.
She was also planning to go to the police to alert them about the event. Her birthday was meant to be celebrated on 18 July. Now, the family is preparing for a funeral instead.
A Young Artist With Big Dreams
Palesa was not only known as a daughter and niece. She was also a young woman trying to build a future. Her family said she had recently started working at a call centre in Centurion.
At the same time, she continued to chase her music dreams. She also hustled by doing hair, nails and make-up.
Her mother said Palesa loved music and was working on a song with DJ Spencer, also known as Bumblebee and Zela Force.
She even wanted a birthday cake shaped like a microphone to reflect her passion for music. That dream has now been cut short.
Soshanguve Community Shocked
The discovery has shaken Soshanguve residents. Many people are disturbed by the brutality of a young woman being found inside a dustbin. The case has also raised fresh concern about violence against young women in South Africa.
Families want their children to be safe when they leave home. Palesa’s death has reminded many parents how quickly joy can turn into tragedy.
Three Suspects Arrested
Police confirmed that three suspects have been arrested. The arrests have given the family some hope, but they still want full justice.
They want to know who killed Palesa, why she died and how her body ended up in the dustbin. The suspects will now have to face the legal process.
For Palesa’s family, nothing will bring her back. However, they believe justice will help them begin to find answers.
Justice for Palesa
Palesa Koketso Tsotetsi was young, talented and full of dreams. She wanted to sing. She wanted to dance. She wanted to build a music career.
She was also preparing to celebrate her 21st birthday with the people she loved. Instead, her family is mourning her death after her body was found in a dustbin.
Police have opened a murder case, three suspects have been arrested, and the motive remains unknown. Now the family wants one thing above everything else: justice for Palesa.