Inquest opened after body is found in Westenburg
WARNING: GRAPHIC PHOTO. While investigations continue to determine the cause of death, the deceased is estimated to have been in his twenties.
POLOKWANE – An inquest has been opened by the Westenburg police after a body was discovered at Ext 40 last Tuesday.
Land issues in the area have become a causative factor for violent riots that persisted for numerous days in Westenburg’s Ben Harris Street towards the RDP section recently.
Claimants of the land, that is located along the Matlala road next to the township’s traffic light, protested against its occupation by other claimants who had also been authorised by the Polokwane Municipality to do so. They had been promised hundreds of stands and allocated title deeds around 10 years ago without any stand or structure allocations.
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The body that was discovered, was found in a bushy area, and did not show immediate signs of decomposition.
Those who made the discovery had just concluded a meeting with municipal officials with regard to the land battles.
“It was around 13:00 when we found the body, and we immediately called the police,” one of the claimants said.
While the detective assigned to this case, Capt Ntlane Rasedile confirmed that investigations are continuing to determine the cause of death, the deceased is estimated to have been in his twenties.
Limpopo police spokesperson, Col Malesela Ledwaba appeals to the public to contact Rasedile on 082 565 8566, should they have information that can assist.
The area is known to be a throughfare for commuting pedestrians in and out of the city from the extensions area.
Ledwaba advised that residents walk in groups and avoid walking in the area during odd hours to avoid being targeted by criminals.
