Police are investigating after the body of an unidentified man was found floating in the water near Durban’s North Beach Pier.
The body was discovered in the shorebreak next to the pier, with a white cord reportedly found tightly tied around the man’s neck.
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Reports of a drowning
Police spokesperson Paul Magwaza confirmed that Durban Search and Rescue members responded to reports of a drowning.
“Police members from the Durban Search & Rescue responded to reports of a drowning at North Beach. The body of an unknown male was seen floating in the shorebreak next to the North Beach Pier,” Magwaza said.
The body was recovered from the water and handed over to Durban Central Police Station, where an inquest docket was registered.
Circumstances surrounding death unclear
Police have confirmed that the circumstances surrounding the incident have not yet been established.
The man’s identity has also not been released.
The discovery of the cord around his neck is among the details that may form part of the investigation, but police have not confirmed how the man died or whether any criminal activity was involved.
An inquest docket has been opened as authorities work to establish the circumstances surrounding the death.
Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.
#sapsKZN [DURBAN AND SYDENHAM SAPS SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAMS RECOVER BODIES FROM UMGENI RIVER AND DURBAN NORTH BEACH]
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) October 25, 2026
On Sunday, 25 October 2026 members from Durban SAPS #SearchAndRescue were called out to Sydenham for a body recovery.
The body of an unknown male, approximately… pic.twitter.com/dXqkDOex2m