Police in the Free State are appealing for anyone aware of a missing man aged in his 40s to come forward after an unidentified body was found in the Caledon River on Sunday, May 10.
Ficksburg police have since opened a criminal investigation.
According to police, the incident began on Saturday evening, May 9, at approximately 6:40 PM when members of the Ficksburg Community Service Center received a report of a body stuck between tree branches in the river.
A local herder, who was herding cattle, alerted police after seeing the body floating in a difficult-to-reach part of the water.
“The Puthaditjhaba Police Search and Rescue Unit was immediately mobilized. Upon arrival, the team faced extreme challenges, including fading light and dangerously high water flow.
“Demonstrating the technical expertise and caution required in such high-risk environments, the unit began the recovery operation at dawn on Sunday, May 10, 2026. After hours of working in the strong currents, the team was able to successfully retrieve the body at around 1:40 p.m.,” police said.
The circumstances surrounding the cause of death are under investigation.
The unknown man is estimated to be in his mid-forties. He was found wearing blue overalls, walking barefoot and with no visible injuries.
Free State Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia expressed his appreciation to the members of the search and rescue team.
“These divers often operate in near-zero visibility and icy, turbulent waters, risking their own safety to fulfill a sacred duty: returning the remains of loved ones to their families so they can find peace and begin the grieving process,” Lesia said.
Police are urging anyone with information regarding the identity of the victim to contact the investigating officer, Detective Inspector Mofolo of Ficksburg Detective Services on 082 301 9578 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
Residents have also been urged to provide anonymous tips via the MySAPS mobile application.
IOL
Robin-Lee Francke
iol.co.za