By Emily Setona
HARRISMITH — The body of a 21-year old man was recovered from the Wilge River in Harrismith following a multi-day search-and-rescue operation involving the Phuthaditjhaba Search and Rescue Unit and Maluti-a-Phofung Fire and Rescue Services.
Police have identified the deceased as Mpho Mahlaba (21), who allegedly fell into the river while fleeing from guards of a private security company.
According to reports, emergency services were alerted to the incident at approximately 15:00 on Friday, 23 January 2026, after receiving information that a man had drowned in the river. Search operations commenced immediately but were unsuccessful at the time.
Rescue teams returned to the scene on Sunday, 25 January, where Mahlaba’s body was eventually located and retrieved.
Free State police spokesperson Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring confirmed that an inquest docket has been opened.
“An inquest has been registered for further investigation. A postmortem examination will be conducted to establish the exact cause of death,” Mophiring said.
Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are continuing.
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