The three bodies that were recovered in the river
Police at the Elukwatini Police Station are currently investigating an inquest after the bodies of three Zimbabwean nationals were recovered from the Mkhomazane River inside the Songimvelo Nature Reserve.
The bodies, all male and estimated to be between the ages of 20 and 35, were found on Friday, August 22,mdiday
The investigation began when family members came to the police station to report the men missing.
After confirming the men had not been arrested, the family suggested they might be near the Songimvelo Nature Reserve.
According to Elukwatini Police Station spokesperson Sergeant Wiseman Nkosi, officers, along with reserve management and a ranger, went to areas where illegal mining activities for gold and other precious metals are common.
“They went in one area that is not very far from the river. They then searched along the river banks, that’s where the three bodies were spotted, in close proximity to each other,” said Sergeant Nkosi.
The deceased have been identified by a girlfriend of one of the men and a friend, both also from Zimbabwe, as Mandla Mthethwa, Washington Nyoni, and Johan Nyoni.
Police are continuing to investigate to determine the cause of death and the circumstances surrounding their presence in the area. Authorities are also working to confirm if the men were in South Africa legally.
The police are appealing to the public for any information that could assist in their investigation. Anyone with positive information is urged to contact the investigating officer, D/Sergeant Sibusiso Lukhele, at 066 482 8968 or the Detectives Branch commander, Lt. Colonel Ricki Sithole, at 082 822 8357.
