South Africa police opens inquest into Charlotte Nikoi’s death – Report
Following the discovery of the body of the Ghanaian UNICEF employee who went missing on Table Mountain March 21, 2017, Charlotte Nikoi, the Western Cape police have reportedly opened an inquest into the matter, according to News 24.
The report citing Captain FC can Wyk of the Western Cape police, said a DNA test had identified the decomposing body as that of Nikoi. Captain Wyk told reporters that the police has opened an inquest docket, which suggests no foul play is suspected.
52-year-old Nikoi went missing when she went hiking on Table Mountain with her family. She was reportedly in South Africa to celebrate 22 years of her marriage.
The publication indicated that Paul Scheepers, a private investigator hired to help the family, confirmed to the news source IOL that her phone, wallet and passport were found on her. Scheepers who says he specialise in cellphone and computer forensics, told the publication that that Charlotte’s husband and the UN contacted him to help with the search indicated that the side of the mountain that was searched on Tuesday was not searched before.
UNICEF issued a statement confirming the body was that of its missing employee.
“Nana Yaa devoted the past 18 years of her life to the work and values of the United Nations. She began her UN career at the World Food Programme, where she rose through the ranks as a dedicated human resources officer. Following a post at the United Nations Population Fund, she joined UNICEF on secondment in 2016 as Associate Director in the Division of Human Resources, where she helped design and implement initiatives to strengthen UNICEF’s workforce and build our talent pool.
Those who knew and worked with Nana Yaa at UNICEF remember her as a warm, supportive colleague and friend with a bright smile who was always a pleasure to work with. She will be deeply missed. I know we all offer our particular condolences to her colleagues in DHR,” a statement from UNICEF said.
By Emmanuel K. Dogbevi