…By Judah Olanisebee for TDPel Media.
Urgent Appeal to Identify Deceased Man Found in Tembisa: A Potential Pauper’s Burial Looms
The discovery of a young man’s body in the Tswelopele area, within the Ivory Park policing precinct, has presented a challenging situation for the government.
After being left unclaimed in the government morgue for over a year, the possibility of a pauper’s burial has emerged as the only option if his next of kin cannot be located.
Tragic Circumstances Surrounding the Body’s Discovery
The victim, believed to be in his late 20s, was found last year in a desolate open space near the Mall of Tembisa.
Captain Ben Matimulane, the spokesperson for the Ivory Park Police, revealed that the young man had suffered multiple gunshot wounds.
His body was discovered wearing blue jeans, providing a potential clue for identification.
Plea for Information to Prevent a Pauper’s Burial
In a desperate attempt to avoid a pauper’s burial, the police are urging anyone who had a loved one or family member disappear around August of the previous year to contact Detective Sergeant Leshabe Moukangwe of the Ivory Park SAPS detectives at 072 563 9160.
Unfortunately, the authorities currently lack a suitable photograph to share on social media, further underscoring the need for assistance from the public.
Reporting a Missing Person in South Africa
The South African Government emphasizes the importance of promptly reporting a missing person to the police without waiting for the commonly misconceived 24-hour rule.
To report a missing person, individuals can contact the Bureau for Missing Persons or visit the nearest police station as soon as they become aware of the person’s disappearance.
It is crucial to bring a recent photograph of the missing person to facilitate their identification, as it will be scanned into the National Bureau for Missing Persons database.
Providing any relevant information about the person’s age, height, hair color, eye color, and distinguishing marks like scars or tattoos is vital.
Completing necessary forms with this information will assist law enforcement agencies across the country in their search efforts.
Time is of the essence in finding the next of kin for the deceased young man discovered in Tembisa.
The potential for a pauper’s burial underscores the urgency of this appeal, urging individuals with any relevant information to come forward and assist the authorities in bringing closure to this tragic case.
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