A decomposing body was discovered off the R40 near Swartfontein on Friday, March 6.

According to reports, the police were alerted by a passerby who stumbled upon the scene. The eyewitness indicated that the head of the deceased was covered with plastic and hanging from a tree while the rest of the body had fallen to the ground due to decomposition.

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Police, paramedics and forensic investigators were summoned to the scene. Items found near the body included car keys, a Formula 1 cap and a cigarette lighter.

Spokesperson for the Department of Health Dumisane Malamule confirmed that forensic teams recovered the body and the remains were transported to Themba Hospital for identification purposes. Those seeking to identify the deceased are advised to contact the White River Police Station.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Colonel Mavela Masondo, confirmed the discovery and stated that the police are currently in the process of registering a case.