JEFFREYS BAY – A 22-year-old man has drowned at Wallskipper Beach in Aston Bay, Jeffreys Bay, with police opening an inquest after it was suspected that the deceased drowned while allegedly poaching abalone.

According to police spokesperson Captain Marius McCarthy, it is alleged that on 9 September, a private security guard was on patrol when he found the lifeless body of an unknown man on the beach, who was later positively identified as Inga Bakupeni (22).

“The deceased was dressed in a full diving suit and had a bag containing a few abalone with him. It is suspected that the deceased drowned while poaching abalone,” said McCarthy.

He confirmed that SAPS had opened an inquest following the discovery of Bakupeni’s body and that the investigation is ongoing.

ALSO READ: Businesses raise concerns over unruly children in JBay CBD