Two bodies discovered in water-filled pit in Roodepan

A SEARCH and rescue team that included the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Sol Plaatje emergency services conducted an operation on Wednesday after two unidentified bodies were discovered in a water-filled pit in Roodepan, Kimberley, earlier this week.

It is believed that cattle herders came across the remains while walking in the veld.

Due to the advanced stage of decomposition, it was reported that the head of one of the bodies had detached and was found separately from the rest of the remains. Authorities had to drain the water from the pit to continue the recovery.

SAPS Northern Cape spokesperson Sergeant Timothy Sam said that the Roodepan police had opened an inquest docket following the discovery of the two bodies near the Midlands water purification station on July 7.

"The police could not establish the identity and/or gender of the human bodies as they are in a severe state of decomposition. Laboratory samples were sent for DNA tests. The investigation is continuing," he added. 

This follows the discovery last week of another unidentified body - a man dressed in mining gear - near the Homevale wastewater treatment plant in Roodepan. He was estimated to be between 30 and 40 years old.