Hout Bay residents are urged not to spread unverified information following the discovery of an unidentified body found in an abandoned house near the Sea View Flats in Hangberg yesterday.

Several videos and pictures has been shared on social media, showing a body, wrapped in a bag or sheet and stuffed into an old cupboard.

Community leader Roscoe Jacobs, stressed the importance of giving the family of the deceased space to grieve without the interference of information that could hinder investigations.

“There is a lot of speculation and rumours circulating about the incident and the condition of the body. Allow the police to do their job without any interference or hearsay. We also have to respect the family and give them the privacy they need during this difficult time.”

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has since confirmed that a case of murder is being investigated.

“The identity is yet to be determined as the body was found decomposed. Anyone with information is kindly requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111, alternatively, utilise the MySAPS app to report anonymously.”