A decomposed body was discovered at a property in Shallcross where Durban Metro Police officers also recovered three vehicles linked to previous police cases, prompting an investigation into the suspected unlawful dismantling of motor vehicles.
Members of the Durban Metro Police Service Drug Team, working alongside Chatsworth SAPS and Crime Intelligence, responded to information about a foul smell coming from a house in the area.
Upon inspecting the property, officers discovered the body of an adult man hanging inside a toilet. The body was in an advanced state of decomposition. Amawele Emergency Services responded to the scene, but nothing further could be done.
An inquest docket was opened at Chatsworth SAPS, and investigations into the circumstances surrounding the man’s death are ongoing. Authorities have not released further details about the deceased or the circumstances surrounding his death.
While securing the scene, officers noticed several stripped and dismantled vehicles on the property, raising suspicions that it could be used as a vehicle chop shop.
Further inspections identified three vehicles linked to previous SAPS cases: a Volkswagen Scirocco, a white Mercedes-Benz C-Class and a gold Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
According to the Metro Police report, the vehicles had been stripped and dismantled, with evidence of welding, removed roofs and tampered chassis tags. The white Mercedes-Benz was also found fitted with an engine linked to a previous Lamontville SAPS case.
The Volkswagen Scirocco was linked to a Malvern SAPS case, while the gold Mercedes-Benz was linked to a Lamontville SAPS case.
All three vehicles were seized and transported to Chatsworth SAPS for safekeeping and further investigation.
Investigations are continuing into the origin of the vehicles, the alleged tampering with and removal of components, and the suspected use of the property for the unlawful dismantling of motor vehicle
