Police are appealing to the public for help in identifying human remains found near the Ntombe River, close to its confluence with the Pongola River in the Paulpietersburg area.

The discovery followed information shared on Facebook about a possible skeleton in the area. A follow-up search on Tuesday last week (November 3) led to the recovery of a skull and part of a skeleton.

Vryheid K9 Search & Rescue located the remains during the search. The recovered remains were collected and transported to the mortuary for further investigation.

Identity and circumstances remain unknown

At this stage, it has not been possible to establish whether the remains are those of a man or a woman. The cause and circumstances of death are also unknown, and there is currently no evidence to indicate whether the person was the victim of a crime or died of natural causes.

Police have indicated that dental evidence may be used in an effort to assist with identification and possibly help trace the deceased’s relatives.

The area where the remains were found is isolated, with no nearby residents, and it is not known how or why the person came to be there.

Police appeal for public assistance

Residents of Paulpietersburg and the Pongola area are asked to assist police with any information that could help identify the deceased or establish what happened.

The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.