Floating body in Olifants River has still not been identified

It is believed that the body was discovered by municipal workers that were busy cutting grass in the Witbank Dam nature reserve

February 6, 2021

Chrisuné Vermeulen 1 minute read

The body of an unknown man believed to be in his 20s or 30s was discovered while drifting downstream in the Olifants River.

On Saturday, January 30, the police diving unit was informed about a lifeless body floating in the water just past the N4 highway bridge.

It is believed that the

body was discovered by municipal workers that were busy cutting grass in the Witbank Dam nature reserve.

As the terrain where the body was found were barely accessible, relevant role players such as the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Witbank Dam rescue swimmers joined SA Police Services, police divers, Police K-9 Search and Rescue, Legacy Emergency Services and N4 Traffic Control (Trac) to retrieve the body.

Mr Travis Clack, Witbank Station Commander of NSRI said, “The NSRI Witbank Dam duty crew were informed about the incident and activated to assist police divers in extracting the body.”

After the body was recovered during a technical recovery operation led by police, they observed the body closer and found numerous injuries.

The unknown body had bruises on his right eye, his lip was cut open, and he had scratches on both his wrists, according to the police report.

It was further alleged that the man is believed to be a resident nearby, who had reportedly disappeared underwater in unknown circumstances.

The body was taken into the care of eMalahleni Government Health Forensic Pathology Services and police have opened an inquest docket.

“SAPS want to urge the public to come forward if one of their family members or close friends is missing as the body has not been identified yet. Any information is welcome and can be reported to Witbank Police Station,” communications officer Capt Eddie Hall concluded.