Body Discovered in Athlone Canal
The lifeless body of a 25-year-old man was discovered floating face down in a filthy canal on Thursday morning along Canal Road in Athlone.
Reports of gunfire emerged from the vicinity, and at approximately 8:20 am, a local resident stumbled upon the shocking sight of the body within the canal, suspected to be linked to gang activity.
An image capturing the grim scene circulated among crime and community groups, showing the man, clad in a red shirt, face down in the murky water.
The SAPS Water Policing and Diving Services were dispatched to the location, where officers discovered that the deceased had suffered a gunshot wound to the head.
Police spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk confirmed that an investigation is underway regarding the circumstances of the incident, with no arrests currently made.
Van Wyk stated: “Athlone police have opened a murder case following the discovery of the body of a 25-year-old man by a community member on Canal Road in Vygieskraal earlier today, Thursday, 2025-10-02, at 08:20.”
“According to the report, SAPS members responded to the complaint at the specified location, and upon arrival, they were directed to the body found in the canal adjacent to the road. The members sought assistance from the SAPS Water Policing and Diving Services, who retrieved the body.”
“Further investigation revealed that the victim had been shot in the head.”
“The circumstances surrounding this incident are under review. The motive appears to be gang-related, and no arrests have been made yet.”
In another case, police are probing a murder where a man also suffered two gunshot wounds to the head in Imizamo Yethu, Hout Bay, on Wednesday.
Van Wyk confirmed that Hout Bay police are investigating a murder case following a shooting incident around 5 pm on OR Tambo Road opposite the graveyard in Imizamo Yethu, Hout Bay.
Van Wyk added: “SAPS members received a report of the shooting at the mentioned location and upon arrival found the body of an unidentified male lying in the street with two gunshot wounds to the head.”
“The circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation. The motive for the shooting remains a focus of our police inquiry, and no suspects have been apprehended as of yet.”
“Anyone with information pertaining to this incident is urged to contact Detective Warrant Officer Dunna at 021 791 8660, or alternatively contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or utilize the MySAPS mobile application anonymously.”