Construction workers uncover concealed human remains
Free State detectives have launched a murder investigation after construction workers stumbled upon concealed human skeletal remains beneath a bridge on the N1 South highway near the Casino in Parkweg earlier this month.
The grim discovery was made on Friday, 13 March 2026, when workers found a human skull inside a plastic bag at the site. A more thorough search of the area subsequently revealed a complete human skeleton that had been wrapped in two blankets and a sheet, then hidden beneath nine plastic bags.
The remains were removed from the scene and transported to a government mortuary, where forensic specialists conducted a detailed examination.
"Anyone who may have a missing relative fitting this description, or who may have information regarding the circumstances surrounding this incident, is urged to come forward."
Forensic findings point to violent death
A post-mortem examination carried out on Monday, 23 March 2026, determined that the remains belong to an adult black male, believed to have been between 25 and 35 years of age. The individual was estimated to have stood approximately 1.8 metres tall.
According to the forensic report, the man sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the right side of his upper rib cage, confirming that his death was the result of foul play. Investigators are now treating the case as a murder inquiry.
At the time the remains were found, the body was dressed in a navy blue Jonathan D jacket, a yellow T-shirt, and black denim jeans. A single Lacoste shoe, worn on the left foot, was also recovered at the scene.
Parkweg detectives are now appealing to members of the public for assistance in identifying the deceased. Authorities are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have a family member or acquaintance who has gone missing and matches the physical description provided by forensic experts. Any information that could shed light on the circumstances surrounding this case could prove vital to the investigation.
