Athlone cops investigate unusual canal death in Bridgetown
According to Daily Voice sources, bodies being found in a dam or canal are not common within the area, however it is not the first time an incident like this occurred.
Image: Leon Knipe
ATHLONE police have opened an inquest after the body of a man was discovered in a canal in Bridgetown on Thursday.
According to Daily Voice sources, the victim is not a resident of the area.
The insider explained: “It could have been that this person was robbed or killed somewhere and found in the river, as this is not unknown to us.
“It is very seldom that this [finding a body in a canal in Bridgetown] happens. A few years ago, a body was discovered after it had been drawn in from Vygieskraal after [the person] had drowned and ended up in Bridgetown.
“Previously, before that, a body was found after they were robbed and murdered on Bhunga Bridge after being dumped into the river.”
Ward Councillor Rashid Adams said the man was not known to anyone in the area. He added that it appeared as though the victim sustained a stab wound.
Police spokesperson Constable Ndakhe Gwala said: “On Thursday, 19 February 2026, Athlone police opened an inquest docket following the discovery of an adult male body at a canal in Loerie Road, Bridgetown.
“The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.”
Anyone with information about this incident is kindly requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
The incident follows after a triple murder rocked the community on Tuesday evening, 17 February at Sunbird Court in Bridgetown.
A 9-month-old baby, her mother and another female sustained fatal gunshot wounds. Two males were also shot and injured during the incident and were transported to a medical facility for treatment.
Police spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut said police are on the lookout for three unidentified suspects who opened fire on the victims and fled the scene.
Traut reported: “Preliminary information indicates that three unknown suspects fled the scene and have not yet been arrested. The motive for the attack is still under investigation.
“Detectives attached to the Serious and Violent Crimes Unit are leading the investigation.”