Wentworth SAPS have renewed their appeal for information after the family of a man who was killed in an alleged hit-and-run in Merebank last week came forward to identify him.
The victim, who was initially unidentified, was confirmed by his family on Tuesday, 14 July, after his brother visited Wentworth SAPS and identified him. According to police, the man had left for work but never returned home.
Wentworth SAPS spokesperson Captain M.P. Gumede said the family arrived at the police station several days after the incident to confirm the deceased’s identity.
“The family of the unknown male deceased arrived at Wentworth SAPS on Tuesday, 14 July 2026 and confirmed that the deceased is a family member, who left for work and did not return home. The deceased was identified by his brother. We are appealing to anyone who might have witnessed the incident which resulted in the man’s death,” said Gumede.
The fatal incident occurred at approximately 7.38pm on Wednesday, 9 July, at the intersection of Basil February Road and Himalayas Road in Merebank.
Police said officers responded after receiving reports of a man lying on the roadside. On arrival, members of the Community Service Centre (CSC) patrol found a PT Alarms Security officer guarding the scene.
The victim had sustained multiple injuries and was unresponsive. Emergency Medical Services declared him dead at the scene.
Preliminary police investigations indicate that the man was allegedly struck by an unknown vehicle whose driver failed to stop and fled the scene.
A culpable homicide case is being investigated.
Detective Sergeant S.V. Nzama has appealed to anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have information that could assist investigators in identifying and tracing the vehicle involved to come forward.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Wentworth SAPS on 031 461 1980 or 031 461 2137, or Detective Sergeant S.V. Nzama on 079 215 5591. Police said all information received will be treated confidentially.
