The body that was recently found next to the R44, Adam Tas Road, in Cloetesville is yet to be officially identified. This was according to warrant officer Rian Wiese, from the Cloetesville South African Police Service (SAPS).
The body was found by community members at approximately 10:30 on 26 August, said Wiese. They then alerted the authorities, he stated.
The cause of death has not been confirmed, but an inquest docket has been opened, said Wiese.
The cause of death for a body that was found next to the R44 in Cloetesville on 26 August is yet to be determined, said warrant officer Rian Wiese, from the Cloetesville South African Police Service. PHOTO: Daniel Roodt
An isolated individual
Community members believed that the body was that of a man who lived in the bushes close to where the body was found, claimed Lybah Mehmood, a community member from Cloetesville, in an interview with SMF News.
The body was found approximately 80m from where the individual lived, claimed another community member, who requested to remain anonymous, in an interview with SMF News.
An inquest docket has been opened regarding the body of an unidentified male that was found next to the R44 in Cloetesville on 26 August. This was according to warrant officer Rian Wiese, from the Cloetesville South African Police Service. PHOTO: Daniel Roodt
The individual was assisted by multiple community members, who provided him with food, clothing, and other items, said Mehmood. However, on previous occasions when help was offered, he refused help from SAPS and the Stellenbosch Fire and Rescue, claimed Mehmood.
“He clearly wanted to be left alone,” said Mehmood.
Community concerns over foul play
Though SAPS has not confirmed the cause of death, some community members have claimed that there was an altercation on the evening of 25 August at the area where the body was found. Some community members suspect that foul play may have been involved.
Sounds of what some community members believe might have been an altercation, were heard in the same area the night before the body of an unidentified male was discovered next to the R44 in Cloetesville on 26 August. This was according to a community member from Cloetesville, who requested to remain anonymous. PHOTO: Daniel Roodt
An individual who lives near where the body was found, reportedly heard someone shouting, “leave the poor man; what are you doing to him, don’t hurt him”, according to the community member.
SAPS stated that the post-mortem was outstanding at the time of publication.
*This is a developing story and will be updated once more information has been made available.