LULEKANI— The Police in Lulekani are investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of a 36-year-old man, whose body was found floating in the Letaba River on Wednesday, 19 February 2025.
The river, known for being infested with both crocodiles and hippopotamuses, has long been a dangerous location.
The man, who had been reported missing earlier, was discovered after members of the local community noticed clothes floating in the water.
They promptly alerted the authorities, who responded quickly to the scene.
With the help of community members, police were able to reach the site where the clothing had been spotted. Upon closer inspection, they discovered human body parts floating in the river.
The police retrieved the remains, which were identified through an identification book (ID) found at the scene.
The ID matched the name of the missing man, though his identity is being withheld pending further investigations.
The exact cause of death has yet to be determined, and the police have launched an inquest to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
The area surrounding the Letaba River is notorious for its dangerous wildlife, which includes large populations of both crocodiles and hippopotamuses. These animals are known to pose significant threats to anyone venturing too close to the water.
At this stage, the investigation is ongoing, and police are seeking any additional information that could help clarify the events leading to the man’s disappearance and death.
The local community has been left shaken by the incident, and authorities are urging anyone with further information to come forward.
