RESIDENTS of Sea Point are in shock after the body of a sangoma was discovered floating near Sunset Beach on Thursday morning, 18 September.
The body was spotted by a passerby who immediately alerted authorities. The victim was wearing traditional sangoma regalia, including beads, animal skin bangles, and grey shorts.
"I was walking close to the beach when I saw something in the water. I called another person passing by, and we walked closer. To my shock, it was a sangoma floating," said Zandile Cekiso, who works in the area.
Locals expressed fear and confusion after the discovery. Many are questioning how and why the sangoma ended up in the water.
"It's frightening. You never expect something like this right here. People come to the beach to relax, and now we see something so disturbing," said a resident who did not want to be named.
It's not yet clear whether the sangoma drowned at the location where he was found or if his body was carried by the water from elsewhere.
Community members have called for increased safety patrols and caution when near the shoreline.
Police confirmed the incident and said the matter is under investigation.
ALSO READ | WOMEN'S MONTH: Retang turns granny's recipe into goldOpens in new window
"Sea Point Police Station registered an inquest for investigation, following the discovery of the body of a 29-year-old man this morning at Sunset Beach, Sea Point," said Western Cape police spokesman Captain Frederick Van Wyk.
"SAPS members received a complaint of a possible drowning. The members and Law Enforcement immediately responded. On arrival, they saw the body and requested the help of the Western Cape Provincial Water Policing and Diving Services, who retrieved the body," Van Wyk added.
Police said a post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death.
The investigation continues, and cops are appealing to anyone with information to come forward to assist in establishing how the sangoma ended up in the water.
