HEUNINGSPRUIT – A truck driver who thought he was being hijacked fled the scene after running over something on the N1, only to return and discover he had struck a human being.
The shocking incident occurred at around 22:00 on November 9, near the Heuningspruit Bridge.
According to police, the driver was travelling along the N1 when he hit an unidentified object. Fearing a hijacking attempt, he did not stop immediately, but decided to turn back a few kilometres down the road to check what he had hit.
When police arrived at the scene, they found that other passing vehicles had also driven over the body, leaving the remains badly damaged and almost unrecognisable.
Fezile Dabi Police spokesperson Constable Kelello Patsa said that the remains were taken to a nearby state mortuary, but a post-mortem examination failed to establish the deceased person’s identity.
Fingerprints were submitted to the Department of Home Affairs, but the individual could not be traced on their system.
A case of culpable homicide has been opened, and police investigations are continuing.
Authorities are appealing to members of the public who may have information that could help identify the deceased and locate his family.
Anyone with information can contact investigating officer Detective Constable Lebohang Mongole on 073 920 6983 or 056 216 5584. Information can also be submitted through the MySAPS App or by calling Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
