George Police Diver Dewald Vorster Dies Near Robben Island During Reported Training Exercise
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Warrant Officer Dewald Vorster, a 43-year-old police officer attached to the George Public Order Policing (POPS) unit in the Western Cape, died in Cape Town on Tuesday, 27 October 2026.
Vorster, who also served as a police diver, reportedly died near Robben Island while taking part in a police training exercise. However, authorities have not yet officially confirmed the exact circumstances surrounding his death.
The Table Bay Harbour Police have registered an inquest into the death, and an investigation is underway to establish what happened.
Western Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that an inquest had been opened following the death of the warrant officer.
Twigg said the circumstances surrounding Vorster’s death were being investigated and that a post-mortem examination would be conducted to determine the cause of death.
The findings of the post-mortem are expected to assist investigators in establishing the circumstances that led to his death.
At this stage, police have not confirmed the precise activity Vorster was performing when the incident occurred. Although reports indicate that he was participating in a training exercise near Robben Island, the details have not been officially verified by authorities.
Vorster was based in George and was a member of the Public Order Policing unit. He also had experience as a police diver, a role involving specialist underwater capabilities.
His death has come as a shock to his family. His father-in-law, Dr Willie Cilliers, a well-known George businessman and former chairperson of the George Business Chamber, described the news as a massive shock to the family.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the cause of death has not yet been established publicly.
Police have not released further confirmed details about the incident. The outcome of the investigation and the post-mortem examination will be important in clarifying how Vorster died.
The case remains under investigation by the Table Bay Harbour Police.
OTHER NEWS
33-Year-Old Teacher Found Murdered at Her Home in Limpopo
A 33-year-old female teacher was found murdered at her residence in Mashamothane 2, Mmamatipa, outside Burgersfort in Limpopo, on Monday, 26 October 2026.
Police in Tubatse, under the Sekhukhune District, have launched a manhunt for the suspect or suspects responsible for her death. The motive for the murder has not yet been established.
According to police, the discovery was made after the teacher failed to report for duty at Batau High School and could not be reached on her cellphone.
Her colleagues became concerned about her absence and reportedly went to her residence to check on her wellbeing.
They discovered her body at approximately 11:00.
Police said the woman was found with her hands tied behind her back using cable ties. Her body was already in a state of decomposition when it was discovered.
The circumstances surrounding her death remain under investigation.
A murder case has been opened, and police are working to establish what happened at the residence and identify those responsible.
No arrests had been reported in connection with the murder in the available reports, and no motive had been confirmed.
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- George Police Diver Dewald Vorster Dies Near Robben Island During Reported Training Exercise
- 33-Year-Old Teacher Found Murdered at Her Home in Limpopo
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