Missing man’s body found in Bapang

By Nombulelo Konco

A somber mood has gripped the Bapong community in the North West province following the recovery of a young man’s body from a quarry near Johane Mokolobetsi Secondary School on Wednesday morning, November,5.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), diving teams from the North West division retrieved the body of a 21-year-old mam from a quarry at Bapong village. He had allegedly gone missing on Sunday, November 2.

 An inquest docket has been opened at the Mooinooi Police Station to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death. Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone confirmed the details.

The identity of the deceased has not yet been released pending family notification. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing.

The incident comes amid national efforts to locate missing persons in South Africa. Between 2020 and 2025, SAPS has reunited 17 968 missing individuals with their families, 15 005 adults and 2 963 children (1 919 girls and 967 boys).  During the same period, SAPS diving units recovered 3 099 bodies from bodies of water such as dams and rivers, and rescued 2 577 people from water-related emergencies. 

In terms of drowning risk, national data indicate approximately 1 500 fatal drownings occur annually in South Africa, with 29 % of deaths among children under 14 years old.  In addition, Lifesaving South Africa noted that drowning rates in South Africa are increasing, despite global declines, with the World Health Organization estimating at least 2 700 drowning deaths a year in the country. 

Local police have urged residents to report missing persons immediately, emphasising there is no waiting period to report someone missing.  Members of the public are asked to assist with any information regarding the quarry site, the young man’s last known movements or any suspicious activity.

The family of the 21-year-old remains in mourning, and the community awaits further information as the investigation continues at Mooinooi Police Station.