The South African Heritage Agency (Sahra) has granted a permit for a Rhodes University academic to investigate suspected meteorite debris in the Eastern Cape.
Lat Sunday there were numerous reports of space debris or a meteorite falling in the area between Kirkwood and St Francis, much of which is believed to have landed in the ocean.
The Eastern Cape Provincial Heritage Resources Authority (ECPHRA) issued a permit to Dr Deon Van Niekerk, a Rhodes University scientist, to recover as many fragments as possible for scientific investigation, should this be a meteorite. We kindly request that anyone with information contact him.
Collecting and trading meteorites in South Africa is regulated, and it is illegal to do so without a permit under the National Heritage Resources Act. Members of the public are urged not to engage with individuals offering to buy these fragments.
If anyone already accidentally collected a piece or knows of an area where fragments may have landed, please contact Dr Van Niekerk at epma@ru.ac.za immediately and include your contact details for follow-up.
We would also greatly appreciate photos of any discovered fragments, as they would help distinguish between true meteorites and other debris.
It’s crucial that any fragments already collected are handled minimally, not exposed to liquids, and stored in a clean, dry place. If anyone has identified a potential landing site, please leave the fragments undisturbed and mark the location.
Any eyewitness reports of the object’s travel through the atmosphere are also important, and we encourage you to email that as well.
Rhodes University is thankful for assistance in preserving this potential scientific treasure and sharing in the excitement.
