BY LERATO PHOSISI
A somber mood engulfed Bushkoppies in Eldorado Park after members of the Gauteng Water Policing and Diving Services recovered the body of a 35-year-old man from a stream in the early hours of Thursday.
The operation unfolded at approximately 08:20 on 18 September 2026, when Johannesburg Water Policing and Diving Services were dispatched to the scene following reports of a body in the water.
According to Gauteng Police Emergency Services media liaison officer Raymond Sambo, divers worked swiftly to retrieve the victim.
“Upon arrival at the scene, members recovered the body of a 35-year-old male victim from the stream using a Stokes basket,” Sambo confirmed.
The body was later handed over to the Eldorado Park South African Police Service, where an inquest docket has been opened. Police say investigations are underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the death.
Authorities have not released the identity of the deceased pending notification of next of kin.
Meanwhile, Sambo has issued a stern warning to the public, urging extreme caution around open water.
“Precautionary measures are emphasised to avert needless loss of life. Individuals venturing into dams, rivers or other bodies of water for any activity are advised to do so only with a life jacket,” he said.
He further appealed to parents and guardians to educate children about the hidden dangers of rivers, dams and streams, and to ensure constant supervision.
Police are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has information that could assist the investigation to contact their nearest police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
The investigation continues
