Missing man's body discovered

A lifeless body believed to be that of a man who went missing in mid-September was discovered last Thursday, approximately 21 km from Ugabmund Gate at the entrance to Skeleton Coast Park.

Erongo Region police inspector Ileni Shapumba confirmed the discovery of Henry Jacobus Mapanka, who was last seen on 19 September when he left for a trip.

Shapumba said police received a report on Thursday night of a white vehicle submerged in water in the area.

On Friday, police investigators were dispatched and found the car completely submerged in a large hole dug up during a construction project.

Divers from the Namibian navy assisted with the retrieval of the vehicle and the body inside it.

"It was discovered that the details match those of the missing Mapanka. His identity document and his other articles were also found inside the vehicle," the police confirmed.

"It is suspected that the Mapanka drowned after an unusual overflow of sea water that was reported in that area and which covered the usually dried-up area. The vehicle only became visible after the water level subsided."

No foul play is suspected and next of kin have been informed.