Officers were called to the railway line next to the Trichardts railway bridge on Saturday (July 4), after the man’s body parts were found lying scattered across the railway tracks.
The man is only described as white male, aged between 40 and 55.
Police said currently they are only relying on forensic DNA testing services to help them identify the deceased, but the results normally takes a while to be assessed at the laboratories.
It is unclear as to why the officers, who went to examine the scene, were unable to gather any clues to the man’s identification.
The incident is currently not being treated as suspicious and an inquest docket has been registered.
“We are appealing for public help in identifying the body. Our inquiries are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident and this is why we are asking for the public’s help,” said Boksburg SAPS’ Lieut Kwendzakwakhe Ngobese.
Investigators have also asked for people to contact the police or go to the Germiston state mortuary, if they have family members who went missing and match the description of the above mentioned body.
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa’s (Prasa) confirmed that an investigation was underway, and issued a reminder to customers that it is illegal to cross the railway line.
People are urged to always use the pedestrian thoroughfares.
Prasa spokesperson Lillian Mofokeng said on Monday afternoon (July 6), it was still unclear what had happened.
“The initial report was of a body found on the train line – not of a person being hit by a train. Judging by the injuries, it’s very likely that he was struck by a train, but the circumstances of the incident are under investigation,” said Mofokeng.
On behalf of Prasa, Mofokeng offered condolences to the bereaved family, adding that they are concerned about similar deaths on railways lines, which she said happens all over Gauteng.
She stated that such incidents also emotionally affect Prasa staff, especially the train drivers.
It also causes train services delays.
“On Saturday, the affected track was closed for a period of time as investigators tried to determine what had happened, delaying rail services between Springs and Germiston,” added Mofokeng.
It is still unclear as to how many people were on the affected train and if anyone on-board the train sustained any injuries.
* In another story, Boksburg police are trying to find 55-year-old Laurens Badenhorst van Wyk, who went missing on July 3.
He is described as a white man, was last seen wearing a winter long sleeve top, checked hoodie and jeans, as well as a pair of spectacles.
He weighs 98kg and is1.8m tall. -@FanieFLK
TRAGEDY IN PLANTATION: Man struck by train
