Komani Police Seek Families of Two Unidentified Deceased Men

KOMANI, Eastern Cape — 4 March 2026 — Police in Komani are appealing to the public to help identify two deceased men whose bodies remain unclaimed at the state mortuary, in separate incidents dating back to 2024 and 2025.

Authorities say identifying the men is important so their remains can be returned to families for burial and to bring closure to relatives who may still be searching for missing loved ones.

Man Found Dead at Hexagon Square

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), officers were called to Hexagon Square in the Komani Central Business District on Sunday, 23 June 2024, after reports that a man had collapsed.

Paramedics had already arrived at the scene and were attempting to assist the individual. However, by the time police arrived, the man had already been certified dead.

A car guard at the scene initially identified the deceased as Saphelele Kese from T-Section in Mlungisi, prompting police to visit the address to notify family members.

The following day, Monday, 24 June 2024, individuals believed to be relatives visited the state mortuary to identify the body. It later emerged that this identification had been a mistake, leaving the deceased person still unidentified.

Police say the man is believed to have been about 40 years old and was reportedly known to have experienced mental health challenges.

At the time of his death, he was wearing:

• A black jacket

• Navy Adidas tracksuit pants

His body remains at the Komani state mortuary while police continue efforts to locate his family.

Anyone who may recognise the description or who may have lost contact with a family member matching it is urged to contact Sergeant Zamikhaya Madikane, the investigating officer, on 073 559 7069 or 082 441 8602.

Second Unidentified Man Found in Blue Rise

Police are also requesting assistance with the identification of another deceased man discovered in Blue Rise, Komani, on 11 October 2025 at around 14:00.

According to police, the man was found with multiple injuries, but there were no vehicles or other people present at the scene when he was discovered.

He had no identification document, and although his fingerprints were taken and processed, authorities were unable to link them to any records.

Police describe the deceased as:

• Dark in complexion

• Medium height and build

• Estimated to be in his 30s

Investigators are appealing to anyone who may recognise the description or who has information that could help identify the man to come forward.

Members of the public can contact Constable Makhi Nguta, the investigating officer, on 067 914 9963.

Appeal to the Community

Chris Hani District Commissioner Major General Rudolph Adolph has urged the community to assist police in identifying the two men as soon as possible.

Authorities say the goal is to ensure the deceased can be returned to their families for dignified burial, while also helping relatives who may still be searching for missing loved ones.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the investigating officers.

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