Hundreds of motorists travelling west on the N12 near the Snake Road off-ramp yesterday (October 10) were met with the grim sight of the body of a man, believed to be an illegal miner, lying on the side of the road.

Journalist makes grim discovery

Benoni City Times reports that one of its journalists, who was returning from Putfontein at around 10:55, discovered the body. The body had been wrapped in a makeshift body bag made from a sack. The bag was attached to tree branches, forming what appeared to be a makeshift stretcher.

The journalist immediately alerted the police, who arrived at the scene at about 13:00.

No visible injuries on body

Benoni SAPS Vispol commander Colonel Emmanuel Ndaba confirmed that the deceased was a suspected illegal miner, estimated to be between 56 and 58 years old.

“No visible injuries were found on the body. It is suspected that he may have died underground due to illness and his body was brought to the surface so it could be discovered,” said Ndaba.

Police have opened an inquest docket to determine the cause of death.

Not the first time suspected illegal miners’ bodies dumped

This incident adds to a growing list of similar discoveries in the area.

In April last year, three bodies believed to be those of illegal miners were found near the corner of Voortrekker Street and Snake Road. Notes containing their names and contact details for their next of kin were attached to their bodies. The men were aged between 25 and 30.