BOIPATONG – Residents of Boipatong woke up to a chilling scene when the lifeless body of an unknown African man was discovered floating in a partially iced stream.

On June 9, dozens of bystanders braved the cold weather and drizzling showers to watch as local police and emergency services retrieved the body from murky water.

When Ster arrived at the scene, the remains of the deceased were floating face upwards, with both his hands over his body.

Speaking to the paper, Boipatong police spokesperson Constable Selina Mthimkhulu said their members were called shortly after 06:00.

“On arrival, our officers cordoned off the scene and walked towards the bridge where the body of an unknown African male was found lying dead.”

Members from the SAPS water wing, led by Warrant Officer Vermeulen, helped to retrieve the body.

“The man was wearing a brown jersey, blue Fabian T-shirt, blue jeans, and a grey all-star tekkie,” Mthimkhulu said.

Medical personnel on the scene confirmed the man had visible bruises on both jaws, raising suspicions of foul play.

Mthimkhulu confirmed further investigations are underway.