Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube
Bulawayo – Police in Bulawayo have initiated an investigation following the discovery of the body of an unidentified man found dead near a railway line over the weekend.
Authorities are appealing to the public for assistance in identifying the victim.
The man, believed to be between 20 and 25 years old, was discovered with both legs crushed, lying beside the rail track approximately 300 meters from the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) Diesel Shed in the city’s western suburbs.
According to police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, the body was found around 10:50 AM on Saturday by a 37-year-old train driver from Pelandaba West, who was traveling from the NRZ Diesel Shed to Bulawayo Main Station.
“As the train approached a curve near the shed, the driver noticed two pairs of shoes—one white, one black—lying near the track and immediately brought the train to a stop,” Msebele reported.
Upon closer inspection, the driver found the lifeless body of a young man lying on the right-hand side of the rail line, just 2.5 meters away. Police suspect that the victim’s legs may have been crushed by an earlier passing train.
The deceased was wearing a black jacket, green sweater, green T-shirt, grey jeans, and a black belt. He is described as light in complexion.
The body has been taken to United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) for a post-mortem examination as investigations continue.
Inspector Msebele urged anyone who may be missing a relative matching the description to come forward.
“Anyone with information that may assist in identifying the deceased is encouraged to contact their nearest police station or visit UBH,” she said.
Authorities are hopeful that through public cooperation, they can uncover the identity of the victim and the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.
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