Is there a sinister reason why there are so many drownings in Mpumalanga?

That is the chilling question being asked by communities over the past few months after the bodies of five men were found near or in water.

Four of the victims were first reported missing before their bodies were discovered, while the fifth is an unidentified man whose decomposed body was found in a river in Carolina on July 16.

• Jabulani Ngwenya (36) was found floating in the Hendrina Dam in September 2024.

• Khulekani Nkambule (23) was found next to a dam in Ga-Nala (Kriel) in June.

• Meluleki Ndumiso Ncongwane (23) body was discovered next to a wetland at Old Madala Informal Settlement near Belfast in June.

• Johannes Sibanyoni’s body was recovered from a stream close to his house in Kwazamokuhle, a week after he was reported missing, also in June.

It is interesting to note that Belfast and Carolina are only 50km apart, while Kwazamokuhle and Kriel are also within a 100km radius of each other.

The families are questioning why all of the men would go swimming in the middle of winter, fully clothed. They are also still awaiting the post-mortem results.

The Middelburg Observer contacted Brigadier Donald Mdhluli (provincial media spokesperson) to enquire about the cases. He said he would send the enquiry to the respective police stations and respond accordingly.

• The unidentified man found in Carolina was wearing blue jeans with a brown belt, a navy or black shirt, and a white vest underneath.

• The police are also searching for Dumisani Titus Nkosi (38) from Carolina, who has been missing since 05:00 on July 16. Nkosi, a mental health patient, was last seen reportedly heading to a restroom.

• The police confirmed that the unidentified deceased man and Nkosi’s disappearance are not connected.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Captain David Khoza on 082 318 9570.