A truck driver who stopped along the R35 near Blinkpan to relieve himself made a grim discovery when he noticed a swarm of flies hovering over a grassy area just off the road in Mpumalanga yesterday (June 25). 

The Middelburg Observer reports that according to a source close to the investigation team, the truck driver had moved deeper into the tall grass, walking past what later appeared to be a shallow grave. As he returned after relieving himself, he noticed a swarm of flies in the area. 

He alerted his employer before returning to inspect the area more closely. The source said the driver’s employer contacted police.

A body was later found in a shallow grave near the roadside, partially concealed under a heap of grass. The body was initially thought to be that of a woman but was later confirmed to be that of a man. 

Police remained at the scene until late last night. A post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted next week to determine the cause of death. Preliminary indications reportedly suggest the victim may have died from a head wound. 

The body was found in an advanced state of decomposition, with signs consistent with mummification. In such cases, an article by The Australian Museum states a human body can take between 50 and 365 days to reduce to a skeleton, as soft tissues break down and moisture evaporates. 

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