On 28 February 2025, it was reported that a 71 year old man was murdered during a hijacking in the ILembe District. Following an investigation, Maphumulo SAPS arrested suspects, who claimed to have dumped the man’s body in the Mvoti River.
Members from Umhlali SAPS K9 Search & Rescue, Durban Central SAPS Search & Rescue and IPSS Search & Rescue, spent 3 days searching the Mvoti River, making use of drones, inflatable crocs and K9’s.
On Wednesday evening, suspects were able to point out the area of the river where the man’s body was dumped to Maphumalo SAPS.
This allowed teams to return on Thursday morning, and following a 4km search paddling along the river, K9 Zeus successfully indicated the area that led to the recovery of the man’s body.
Due to the inaccessibility of the river, members had to paddle a further 2km downstream, before the body of the murder victim was handed over to local SAPS.
Our condolences go out to the friends and family of the deceased, and we are grateful to have brought closure for his family.
Fantastic teamwork from all involved, especially under the difficult conditions of fast flowing rivers and heat.