TZANEEN – Police in Tzaneen have launched an inquest after the body of an unidentified man, believed to be around 35 years old, was discovered floating in the Letaba River on Saturday morning at around 10:00.

Authorities were alerted to the scene near the bus stop in the Tzaneen CBD, where they found the man wearing a black T-shirt and trousers, but no shoes.

His body was retrieved and taken to a government mortuary by pathologists. Police are appealing to the public for assistance in identifying the man. Anyone with information is urged to contact Warrant Officer Peter Selowa at 076 199 3952.

The recent heavy rains across Limpopo have resulted in rising water levels in rivers and dams, leading to several drowning incidents in the Mopani district.

In a separate incident, a 14-year-old boy tragically drowned in the Ritavi River near Ngove village outside Giyani.

The boy, along with four friends, had gone to view the flooding river. They attempted to cross the river, but on their return, he was swept away by the strong current. Divers recovered his body the following day.

Provincial police commissioner Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe has issued a warning to parents and guardians, urging them to ensure children stay away from flooded rivers.

“These waters are extremely dangerous, especially now that they are full,” she said.

The police continue to remind communities to exercise caution around water sources and report any suspicious or unsafe activities near rivers and dams.