The body of an unidentified man was recovered from the Hennops River near Sutherland Ridge on Tuesday evening after a person crossing the river earlier in the day discovered it stuck in a tree.
According to Tshwane Flying Squad spokesperson Warrant Officer Frans Spang, members of the Tshwane Water Police and Diving Services were alerted to the scene around 17:30 on September 8 and were taken to the river by a detective from the Erasmia police station.
“The body was stuck in a tree in the middle of the river,” Spang said.
The dive team retrieved the body from the river before handing it over to the investigating detective.
Spang said the deceased was an unknown African man whose age could not be established because the body was in an advanced stage of decomposition.
An inquest docket has since been opened and is currently under investigation.
Police have appealed to anyone who may have information about the incident or witnessed what happened to contact the relevant SAPS station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
Spang also urged the public to exercise caution when crossing rivers, particularly where currents are strong.
“Individuals intending to traverse rivers are urged to do so exclusively at dedicated bridges, as accidents often stem from victims being swept away by rapid currents.”
The officer also warned people who take part in baptism rituals in rivers to consider the dangers of entering Gauteng’s waterways.
Spang warned that some rivers may contain sewage and chemicals, posing health risks to those who enter the water.
He also cautioned that strong currents can pose a serious danger to people in the river.
The circumstances surrounding the man’s death remain unclear as police investigations continue.
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