South African Correspondent
ELUKWATINI, MPUMALANGA – South African authorities have launched an inquest investigation after the bodies of three Zimbabwean men were discovered floating in the Nkomazi River at a game reserve in Elukwatini on Friday.
The victims, whose identities remain withheld pending family notifications, showed no visible signs of injury, according to preliminary police reports.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that its dive team retrieved the remains from the river located within the game reserve property. The tragic discovery came after housemates of the deceased men reported them missing when they failed to return from a trip to the reserve.
Official Police Statement
Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli provided details of the ongoing investigation:
“The complainants indicated that the three had informed them that they were heading to the game reserve, but strangely, they never returned.”
Mdhluli further explained that when police accompanied the concerned housemates to the game reserve, officials revealed that trespassing had been a recurring problem on the property.
“About a week earlier, unknown individuals had been spotted on the property but fled when approached by rangers,” he noted.
The extensive search of the area ultimately led to the tragic discovery of the bodies floating in the river, prompting immediate deployment of the SAPS search-and-rescue unit and divers.
Comprehensive Investigation Ordered
Mpumalanga’s acting provincial police commissioner, Major-General Zeph Mkhwanazi, has ordered a thorough probe into the mysterious deaths. Mdhluli confirmed that,
“He has since directed investigators to conduct a thorough investigation into this shocking incident in order to unveil the truth of what has actually transpired, leading to the death of the three individuals.”
An inquest case has been officially opened to establish the cause of death, with final determinations awaiting post-mortem results. The absence of visible injuries on the bodies has added to the mystery surrounding the tragedy.
Cross-Border Community Impact
The incident has sent shockwaves through both South African and Zimbabwean communities, highlighting the vulnerabilities faced by migrants and the ongoing challenges of border management.
The Zimbabwean consulate in South Africa has been notified and is expected to assist with identification and family notifications once the victims’ identities are formally confirmed.
Local authorities have reminded the public about the dangers of trespassing on private game reserves, which often contain wildlife hazards and challenging terrain in addition to legal consequences for unauthorized entry.
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