Mpumalanga police are investigating two separate but disturbing incidents after three bodies were discovered in the Sabie and Pilgrim’s Rest areas earlier this week. The discoveries, which occurred within a 40-kilometer radius, have left residents shocked and raised questions about the safety of the region.
## Missing Couple Found Dead in Sabie
A couple that had been reported missing on 23 August was tragically found dead inside their red sedan on Longtom Pass Road, the busy route that connects Sabie and Lydenburg. The grim discovery was made on Monday evening when passersby noticed the vehicle parked in a secluded area.
Police confirmed that the bodies belonged to the missing pair, though the cause of death remains unclear at this stage. Investigators are working to establish whether foul play was involved or if other circumstances led to their passing. The couple’s disappearance had been reported to authorities days earlier, and family members had been anxiously awaiting updates.
Community members in Sabie described the couple as well-known and friendly individuals. Their deaths have sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community, where speculation and concern are mounting as police continue their investigation. Forensic experts have been deployed to assist in determining what happened inside the vehicle before the tragic end.
Another Body Discovered Near Pilgrim’s Rest
In a separate incident, roughly 40 kilometers from the Sabie scene, a man’s body was discovered between his double-cab bakkie and a tree along the R533 near Pilgrim’s Rest. Authorities say the body was already in an advanced state of decomposition, suggesting the man may have been dead for several days before being found.
According to preliminary reports, the deceased is believed to have been around 72 years old. While his identity has not yet been formally released, police have begun efforts to contact possible relatives. The circumstances of his death also remain under investigation, with detectives considering various possibilities, including natural causes, an accident, or criminal activity.
Community Shock and Police Response
The discovery of three bodies within such a short period has left local communities shaken. Residents are calling on authorities to increase patrols along the Longtom Pass and R533 roads, both of which are heavily used by locals and tourists alike.
Mpumalanga police spokespersons have urged members of the public to remain calm while investigations are ongoing. “We understand the concerns of the community. Our detectives are working tirelessly to determine the facts behind these tragic discoveries,” one official said.
Police have also appealed to anyone with information about the missing couple’s movements prior to 23 August, or details regarding the elderly man near Pilgrim’s Rest, to come forward. Information can be shared anonymously via Crime Stop.
As investigations continue, families are left grieving and communities grappling with uncertainty. While authorities work to piece together the circumstances that led to these deaths, the discoveries in Sabie and Pilgrim’s Rest serve as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of vigilance.
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