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Map and notepaper among clues to identity of skeletal remains found in Welsh woodland 45 years ago

It is believed he died nine to 18 months before he was found

Holly Evans
Tuesday 10 December 2024 19:08 GMT
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Referred to as Glamorgan Man, he was found in a remote area of Rheola Forest in Wales
Referred to as Glamorgan Man, he was found in a remote area of Rheola Forest in Wales (Locate International )

A renewed appeal has been launched for information after the skeletal remains of a man were found in south Wales nearly five decades ago.

Known as the Glamorgan Man, the man’s body was discovered in a remote woodland area of Rheola Forest in Neath Port Talbot on 9 December 1979.

It is believed he died between nine and 18 months before he was found, and may have been a possible visitor from South Africa.

Locate International, a charity that helps identify missing or unidentified people, said the man would have walked with a distinctive limp, given that his right knee was fused when his remains were discovered.

He was between 5’ 8” and 5’ 10” tall, had light brown hair streaked with grey and estimated to be between 40 to 60 years old.

A Salvation Testament with the name D. Malan was found with his remains
A Salvation Testament with the name D. Malan was found with his remains (Locate International)

Volunteers working for the organisation hope that someone in Wales or South Africa may recognise him, despite the lengthy period of time since his discovery.

Among his few possessions discovered next to his body was a brown imitation leather briefcase carrying a Salvation Testament with the name D Malan, and an address for a PO Box in Randburg, Johannesburg.

He was also carrying a South African Airways timetable, a map of South Wales and west of England and headed notepaper from the Sheraton Heathrow Hotel.

The individual wore brown twill trousers with a size 30″ inside leg, a blue shirt, a light brown V neck jumper size 40” chest, grey socks and brown size 8 shoes.  He had a holdall containing grey trousers, 2 more shirts and a pair of green socks.

Anyone with information can submit it via their online website and can remain anonymous.

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