Police open inquest after body found floating near Hewu Rank

Police confirm inquest after Komani News query on body found near Hewu Rank

SAPS responds after reports surface of body in river

KOMANI – Police have confirmed that an inquest docket has been opened following the discovery of a lifeless body floating in a river near Hewu Rank in Komani.

The confirmation came after Komani News contacted the South African Police Service seeking clarity on reports received on the evening of Wednesday, 28 January 2026, regarding a body discovered in the river near the busy transport hub.

In response to the media query, SAPS spokesperson Captain Yolisa Mgolodela confirmed that police were aware of the incident and had attended the scene.

“Komani police can attest to the discovery of a lifeless body floating in the river next to Hewu Rank,” Mgolodela said.

“The police were alerted by a passer-by and visited the scene. The identity is not known yet. An inquest docket has been opened and investigations are underway.”

Reports prompted media enquiry

Komani News had earlier received information from members of the public indicating that a body had been seen floating in the river near Hewu Rank on Wednesday evening. Due to the seriousness of the reports, SAPS was approached to confirm whether officers had attended the scene and whether an investigation had been initiated.

Police have now confirmed that a passer-by alerted authorities, prompting officers to respond to the scene.

The area around Hewu Rank is a high-traffic zone used daily by commuters, taxi operators and informal traders, making the discovery particularly concerning for local residents.

Identity still unknown

At this stage, police have not been able to identify the deceased. No details regarding the person’s age, gender, or clothing have been released, and police have not indicated how long the body may have been in the water prior to its discovery.

Captain Mgolodela confirmed that the identity of the deceased remains unknown.

Inquest docket opened

An inquest docket has been registered to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death.

An inquest is opened when a death is unexplained or where there is no immediate indication of criminal involvement, allowing police to establish the cause and manner of death.

The body was removed from the scene and is expected to undergo a post-mortem examination at a forensic pathology laboratory.

The outcome of the post-mortem will assist police in determining whether the death was accidental, natural, or linked to possible foul play.

At this stage, no arrests have been made, and police have not confirmed whether they suspect any criminal activity.

Residents in the area have expressed shock following the discovery, with some commuters saying they were unsettled by the incident due to the proximity of the river to a public transport hub.

Police have appealed to anyone who may have information that could assist with identifying the deceased or clarifying the circumstances leading to the death to contact their nearest police station.

Information can also be shared anonymously via SAPS Crime Stop on 08600 10111.