Headless body found in Orange River

The decomposing, decapitated body of a man was found floating in the Orange River near Aliwal North, Free State police said.

Constable Werner van Tonder said the body was found yesterday.

“The body is that of an African male between the ages of 16 and 20. The body is badly decomposed and is missing … its head and part of the chest, which is believed to be due to exposure to the elements.”

He said the man was wearing dark trousers and black gumboots but no shirt.

“It is believed that the man had been dead for about a week before being found, and that he might have been from the Sterkspruit area.”

He called on anyone who has reported someone missing in the vicinity of the Orange River, or has information that might lead to the identification of the body, to contact Detective Warrant Officer Britz on 082-466-7265 or 051-663-6103.

– Sapa