Johannesburg Water Policing and Diving Services recovered the body of a 35-year-old man from a water body in Doornkop, Soweto, on Heritage Day, with a leather belt tightened around his neck.

According to police, members were deployed to the scene at approximately 14:30 on Thursday, 24 September, following reports of a body in the water.

BODY RECOVERED FROM 1.2 METRES

The diver unit recovered the body from a depth of about 1.2 metres. The deceased was identified as a 35-year-old man. A leather belt was found tightened around his neck.

The body was handed over to Doornkop SAPS at the scene.

INQUEST DOCKET OPENED

Gauteng police have opened an inquest docket to determine the circumstances surrounding the man’s death.

An inquest is a judicial inquiry held to establish the cause of a death that appears to be unnatural or unexplained. It does not necessarily imply criminal charges have been laid, but allows police to investigate the facts before a magistrate.

Police have not yet released the man’s identity, pending notification of next of kin.

INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

The circumstances leading to the man’s death remain unclear. Police have urged anyone with information to come forward.

Anyone with information can contact their nearest police station, call the police Crime Stop number on 08600 10111, or use the MySAPSApp to provide tip-offs anonymously.