File picture.
Police have opened an inquest after the body of a man, believed to be about 30 years old man, was found in Kuils River canal this morning (Monday July 22).
The body was recovered just before noon in the canal behind Riverside Gardens, close to the Stellenbosch Arterial, said police spokesperson Anelisiwe Manyana.
The body is believed to be that of a man who drowned in the canal last Thursday, the City said in a statement.
Last week, a police patrol vehicle attended to a call out about a possible drowning at the canal footbridge close to Ongegund Street, Gershim, at around 11:30am, said police spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk.
Witnesses at the scene told police that a man had been swept away after he slipped and fell into the canal.
Police divers scoured the canal but could not find the man. They were withdrawn from the scene when heavy rains made the water level too high and the stream too strong, he said.
The City said the body was found by firefighters from the Kuils River Fire Station, and police were called to lead the recovery.
This incident happened a week after another man drowned in the neighbouring Blackheath Industrial area on Thursday July 11.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi said the man was reportedly walking along the canal near the flooded corner of Range Road and the Stellenbosch Arterial, at around 7am, when he slipped and fell into the water.
His body was retrieved from the water and the man was declared dead on the scene by the medical personnel.
“Mfuleni police registered an inquest for further investigation,” he said.
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