02 Sep 2026

A search and rescue operation in Maun ended Tuesday morning (Sept 1) with the recovery of the body of a 44-year-old Zimbabwean national who drowned in the Thamalakane River at Riverside Ward on Monday evening.

In an interview, acting station commander, Assistant Superintendent Moutlatse Ikobeng, said the body was located around 9.30am on Tuesday and transported to Letsholathebe II Memorial Hospital for post-mortem. 

He said police received the initial report shortly after 4pm on Monday from a local fisherman who was at the river with the deceased.

“The two were fishing when the deceased shot at a bird and entered the river in an attempt to retrieve it, but drowned in the process,” Ikobeng said.

He indicated that a joint search operation was launched immediately following the report on Monday but was suspended at nightfall due to low visibility before resuming again Tuesday morning.

He further confirmed that the victim was identified using credentials held by his fishing companion. 

Meanwhile, police are currently working to trace and notify the deceased’s next of kin. ENDS