The charred remains of an unidentified body were found lying in a ditch in a veld in Boksburg on Monday with the only recognisable thing, a pair of sneakers.

The body was found near the ERPM mine and Angelo Deep, next to Commissioner Street. It was burned beyond recognition and police were unable to immediately tell whether it was male or female or ascertain the race or age.

According to Reiger Park SAPS spokesperson, Constable Johannes Msimanga, a team of police officers from the station was dispatched to the scene after receiving an emergency call from a woman who told them that an unknown man told her that he had stumbled upon the human remains.

“A case of murder has been opened and we appeal for public assistance to identify the victim and solve the case.

“The only thing recognisable is the pair of sneakers the person was wearing. There were also burnt wires lying on top of the remains,” explains Msimanga.

The remains were taken to the Germiston state mortuary for pathologists to conduct further post-mortem examination.

The motive for this crime remains unknown. Anyone with information is asked to call the Reiger Park police on 011 960 0220.