Elukwatini, 24 August 2025 – Police in Elukwatini are investigating an inquest after the bodies of three men were recovered from the Nkomazi River at a game reserve on Friday, 22 August. The discovery was made by SAPS divers, who confirmed that the bodies bore no visible injuries.
According to police reports, the three men had been reported missing earlier the same day at Elukwatini SAPS. Concerned housemates told officers that the men had left for the game reserve but failed to return.
Police accompanied the complainants to the reserve, where officials revealed that unauthorised entry by individuals had been observed in recent weeks. About a week ago, some people were reportedly spotted on the premises but fled when approached by authorities and were not seen again.
When SAPS members checked the area where the men were last sighted, they discovered three bodies floating in the river. The Search and Rescue Unit, together with divers, was called in to retrieve the remains.
An inquest docket has been opened, and a post-mortem will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death. Police have confirmed that the men were originally from Zimbabwe, though their identities will only be released once their next of kin have been notified.
Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has ordered a thorough investigation into the matter. “We must uncover the truth of what transpired and led to the deaths of these three individuals,” he said.
