Tongaat – A man was found dead in a ditch along the R614 in Tongaat, KwaZulu-Natal, on Thursday morning, prompting a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) said its officers were flagged down by members of the public at approximately 08:59 while travelling along the roadway. They were directed to the body of a male lying next to the road.
“Reaction Officers were flagged down by members of the public and directed to the body of a male lying in a ditch next to the roadway,” RUSA said in a statement.
Preliminary observations at the scene revealed visible head and facial injuries, with indications that the victim may have been dragged for several metres.
“Initial observations indicated visible head and facial injuries, along with signs suggesting the victim may have been dragged for approximately several meters,” RUSA said.
Unidentified Circumstances Surround Discovery Of Body: Tongaat – KZNhttps://t.co/aKIKOJXJ6Z#ArriveAlive #Crime pic.twitter.com/On8Z9GUjMx
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Members of the public told officers that they had noticed the body earlier in the morning.
“Members of the public reported noticing the body at approximately 07:00,” the unit said.
The deceased has since been identified. According to RUSA, the man’s girlfriend told officers that he was last seen on Wednesday afternoon.
“His girlfriend informed Reaction Officers that the deceased was last seen at approximately 16:00 yesterday when he dropped off clothing he had bought for his children,” RUSA said.
The cause of death has not yet been determined.
“The cause of death remains unknown at this stage,” RUSA confirmed.
Police are expected to continue investigations to establish the circumstances leading to the man’s death.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
