Nico Dean Venter (20) was walking from his fiancée’s house in Vanderbijlpark to his mother’s house in Vereeniging when he was attacked.
He was reported missing on Saturday and his body was later found next to the R42.
The case is under investigation by Sharpeville Police.
The Sector 3 Community Policing Forum yesterday warned the public about a spate of crimes – which include hijackings and murders – along the R42, between Makro and the Isak Steyl Stadium.
“We strongly advise people not to stop along this road under any circumstances. It has become a dangerous area,” reads the warning.