Johannesburg - A human skull was found at a house in Kgotsong near Bothaville, Free State police said on Thursday.
Captain Stephen Thakeng said municipal workers found the skull when they were cleaning the house on Wednesday.
The community had asked the Nala municipality to clean a house after its owner had piled up rubbish over the years.
“The house belonged to Mr Butana Isak Kalamane, 67-years-old by then, who was reported missing by his relatives on June 10, 2011.”
He said Kalamane was mentally ill when he went missing. Due to his mental state he used to collect rubbish from dumping sites and piled it inside his house and in the yard.
“Residents asked the municipality to remove the rubbish, because it was rotting and a strong, unpleasant smell was coming from the house.”
The skull was found outside the house among the rubbish.
“The police are still investigating as it is not known to whom the skull belongs. Mr Kalamane's relatives are also requested to please come forward to help the police with the investigation.”
The skull was taken to a government mortuary in Welkom and an inquest docket was opened, he said.
Sapa