Police appeal for help identifying man found dead in Swartkops River

Eastern Cape police are appealing to the public for help identifying a man whose body was discovered in the Swartkops River near Perseverance.

The body was found on Saturday, 10 October 2026, at approximately 2.49pm. Police have not yet established the man’s identity and are working to trace his next of kin.

According to police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg, the man is believed to have been between 30 and 50 years old.

He was wearing a blue jacket, dark-coloured overall trousers and black gumboots. He also had a black pack with him.

Police seek information from the public

Police are urging anyone who recognises the description or has information that could help identify the deceased to come forward.

Anyone with information can contact SAPS on 082 441 7828 or investigating officer Detective Warrant Officer L. De Vries on 041 933 8005.

Information can also be shared anonymously through Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS app.

Separate double murder investigation in Soweto-on-Sea

Meanwhile, police in Kwazakele are investigating a double murder after two people were found shot dead at a home in Soweto-on-Sea.

The bodies of an 86-year-old woman and a 21-year-old man were discovered at a property on Sebothe Street at approximately 1.20am on Monday, 12 October.

Van Rensburg said both victims had sustained gunshot wounds.

Preliminary information suggests the elderly woman may have been shot after getting out of bed to investigate a disturbance at the door. The young man was found in his bed.

Police reported that no items had been stolen from the property. The identities of the deceased will be released once they have been formally confirmed.

The suspect or suspects have not yet been identified, and the motive for the killings remains unknown.

Police urge witnesses to come forward

The double murder investigation is ongoing, with police appealing for anyone who may have information to assist detectives.

Anyone with information can contact Lieutenant Colonel Williams on 082 442 0963, call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app. Anonymous tip-offs are welcome.

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Source: The Citizen