Elukwatini police have launched an inquest following the discovery of three decomposing bodies in the Mkhomazane River within the Songimvelo Nature Reserve at Mooiplaas near Badplaas.

Lowvelder reports the bodies, found around 12:00 on Friday, were identified as three Zimbabwean nationals: Mandla Mthethwa, Washington Nyoni and Johan Nyoni, aged between 20 and 35.

According to Elukwatini SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Wiseman Nkosi, the victims’ families had initially visited the police station to check whether the men had been arrested.

“Upon discovering that they had not, the families opened missing persons’ cases and informed officers that their loved ones might be in the Songimvelo area,” Nkosi said.

It was during this search of the river that the bodies were recovered.

One of the victims’ girlfriends and another’s friend positively identified them.

Investigations into the cause of death are ongoing.

Anyone with information is urged to contact detective Sergeant Sibusiso Lukhele on 066 482 8968 or detective branch commander Lieutenant Colonel Ricki Sithole on 082 822 8357.

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