Missing man’s body found in Hennops River

Missing man’s body found in Hennops River! The search for 36-year-old Timothy van Asche, who was reported missing earlier this week, has ended in tragedy. His body was discovered in the Hennops River on Thursday, bringing a somber conclusion to a multi-day search operation.

Timeline of Events

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) confirmed that van Asche was last seen on CCTV footage leaving his home in the early hours of Monday morning. He was driving his Mitsubishi SUV, which was later found abandoned near the Hennops River.

The search began shortly after his disappearance was reported, with rescue teams employing various advanced resources, including drones, a helicopter, a canoe, a boat, and divers.

Missing man’s body found

On Thursday morning, a member of the public alerted authorities after spotting a body floating in the river approximately 2 kilometers from where van Asche’s vehicle was found.

Recovery Efforts

Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo, spokesperson for the Gauteng police, confirmed the recovery of the body at around 9:30 a.m. The discovery marked the culmination of an extensive and collaborative search operation involving multiple teams.

Masondo highlighted the dedication of the search teams, many of whom worked on foot in challenging terrain, while others navigated the river by boat or aerial surveillance.

An inquest docket has been opened to investigate the circumstances surrounding van Asche’s death.

Similar Incidents

This tragedy is not an isolated incident. In December 2024, a man who went missing while fishing in the Hartbeespoort Dam was also found deceased after a large-scale search.

Arthur Crewe, NSRI Hartbeespoort Dam station commander, described the extensive effort involved in that case. The man, a Malawian national, disappeared while fishing from a canoe near the Kosmos area of the dam.

Rescue teams, including the NSRI, Strategic Rescue Unit (SRU), and Police Water Policing and Diving Services (WPDS), conducted a thorough search after receiving reports of the missing man. The operation included deploying rescue swimmers and boats to scour the water.

Eventually, the man’s body was recovered on Christmas Day and handed over to forensic authorities.

Community Impact

The loss of van Asche and others in similar circumstances serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with bodies of water, particularly during rainy seasons or in areas prone to strong currents and dense vegetation.

Authorities and organizations like the NSRI have repeatedly emphasized the importance of caution when near water and urged the public to report missing persons promptly to ensure timely intervention.

Investigation Underway

While the discovery of van Asche’s body brings closure to the search effort, questions remain about the circumstances of his death. Investigators will now focus on piecing together the events that led to the tragedy.

Support and Condolences

The NSRI, police, and involved rescue teams have extended their condolences to van Asche’s family and friends during this difficult time. The organization also commended the collaborative efforts of all search teams and members of the public who provided crucial information.

Conclusion

The tragic outcome of Timothy van Asche’s disappearance underscores the risks associated with search and rescue operations. As authorities continue their investigation, this incident highlights the critical role of community vigilance and the tireless efforts of emergency services in addressing such cases.

Efforts to recover missing individuals, such as those by the NSRI and police, demonstrate the commitment of these teams to serving the public, even under challenging circumstances.

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Dlamini, known for sharing snippets of her life on social media, posted a photo of herself and Netha in a swimming pool, radiating joy and pride. Read More