7 July 2026 — The body of a driver who had been missing for three days was found buried in a forest in Saw township, Magway Region, prompting an investigation into a suspected homicide, according to local sources.
The victim was identified as Mr. Myo Thu Aung, aged 37, a resident of Kyauk Ma village, who disappeared on 2 July while travelling by motorcycle with another villager to sell vegetables.
Local sources said his motorcycle broke down between Ngat Chaung and Nyaung Kan villages, where he remained behind while his companion continued the journey after informing the vehicle owner.
When the companion returned later that day, the motorcycle was still at the roadside, but Myo Thu Aung was missing. Despite several days of searches by family members and local authorities, no trace of him was found.
On 5 July, a villager cutting bamboo discovered a suspicious mound of freshly covered earth in a forest between Ngat Chaung and Thalay villages. Authorities later excavated the site and recovered Myo Thu Aung’s decomposed body.
According to local sources, Myo Thu Aung had been carrying 600,000 kyats in cash, an OPPO mobile phone, his national identification card, and a driver’s licence when he disappeared. His body was reportedly buried face down and showed marks around the neck and bruising on the back and ribs, although no stab wounds were found.
The cash, phone, and identification documents were missing when the body was recovered. Investigators reportedly found 27,500 kyats, a dagger, three shirts, and two packets of medicine at the burial site.
Saw Township public security official said the case remains under investigation and that further information will be released once the investigation is completed. The identity of those responsible has not been established, and no arrests have been announced. – Reporting by Ben
