Giyani man’s death now treated as murder
New forensic evidence has shifted the focus of the investigation as police work to identify those responsible.
LIMPOPO – Giyani police have opened a murder case following the death of a 28-year-old man whose body was found in the Giyani Central Business District.
According to police, officers were conducting patrols near Masingita Mall on May 24 at about 22:40 when they were approached by employees of an engineering company working in the area.
The workers reported that while installing fibre-optic cables, they noticed a man lying in nearby bushes. When they approached him and attempted to speak to him, he did not respond.
EMS confirms death
Emergency Medical Services personnel were called to the scene after workers reportedly observed injuries to the man’s neck. The man was declared dead on the scene.
The deceased was later identified by family members as 28-year-old Ntalo Chauke of Section D1 in Giyani.
Post-mortem findings lead to murder case
Police initially registered an inquest docket pending the outcome of a post-mortem examination.
According to police, the post-mortem revealed that the deceased had sustained throat injuries consistent with violence and that the death was not due to natural causes.
Following the findings, the matter was reported to police on Wednesday (June 3) and a murder case was subsequently opened.
Investigation continues
Preliminary investigations indicate that the deceased was allegedly in the company of other people before his death.
No arrests have been made and the suspects remain unknown.
Police are continuing their investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact investigating officer Sergeant Solly Maluleke on 073 730 3513, the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111, their nearest police station, or submit information via the MySAPS App.
