By Lerato Mpembe
Body Found in Sewer Manhole Sparks Investigation in Phahameng Location, Mangaung On 26 September 2024, a body was discovered in a sewer manhole in Silver City, Phahameng Location, leading to a coordinated response from the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality’s Technical Services team and the South African Police Services (SAPS). Mangaung MMC for Technical Services, Vusi Soqaga, has called for calm in the local community as the SAPS investigates the circumstances surrounding the grim discovery.
The incident occurred after the Technical Services team responded to complaints from local residents about a sewer spillage caused by a blocked manhole. Upon inspecting the sewer network, the team uncovered a large, heavy object wrapped in black polycarbonate (plastic). Further investigation revealed the object to be a human body.
The body was successfully retrieved by the SAPS, and the matter is now in their hands for a full investigation. MMC Soqaga urged community members to remain calm and vigilant, appealing to residents to report any suspicious activities around sewer networks to prevent similar incidents.
The Discovery: Routine Maintenance Turns Grim
The Mangaung Technical Services: Sewer Maintenance Team had been conducting routine maintenance following reports of a blocked manhole in Phahameng. What started as a regular task quickly escalated when the team discovered a suspicious object inside one of the manholes. The object was wrapped in black plastic and, after closer inspection, was identified as a human body.
The team acted swiftly, contacting the SAPS immediately upon their discovery. The SAPS quickly took over the scene, coordinating a successful recovery operation to retrieve the body. SAPS has since launched a full investigation into the incident to determine the identity of the deceased and the circumstances surrounding the death.
SAPS spokesperson, Captain Molefi Mkhize, confirmed that the investigation is ongoing. “Our team is working diligently to gather all relevant information and evidence. At this stage, we cannot speculate on the cause of death, but we are appealing to the public to come forward with any information that could assist in our investigation,” Mkhize said.
Community Reactions and Safety Concerns
The discovery of a body in the sewer system has left the Phahameng community in shock. Many residents have expressed concern about safety in the area and are eager for answers about how such an incident could have occurred.
Local community members have been urged by authorities to remain calm and not engage in speculation. MMC Soqaga emphasized the importance of public vigilance and cooperation during this sensitive time. “We appeal for calm from the community and urge everyone to stay alert. Any strange activities observed around our sewer networks should be reported immediately to prevent further incidents like this one,” said Soqaga.
SAPS Leads the Investigation
The SAPS has taken the lead in the investigation, deploying forensic experts and detectives to piece together the details surrounding the case. Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased or provided information about any potential suspects. The SAPS is focusing its efforts on gathering evidence from the scene and questioning local residents who may have seen unusual activity in the area leading up to the discovery.
“We understand the community’s concerns, and we are working around the clock to get to the bottom of this matter,” Mkhize said. The SAPS has also increased patrols in the area to provide additional security and reassure residents.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are urging the public to refrain from making assumptions and allow the legal process to unfold. The SAPS has asked anyone with information that could assist in solving the case to contact their local police station.
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