WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT
A cable thief dangled like a wet piece of washing hanging on a line after he electrocuted himself to death while attempting to steal cables in Philippi.
Police and members from Metrorail were called to the grim scene in the pouring rain on Friday morning just after 6am where they found the man hanging over the cable along Philippi Railway Service road behind Hazeldene in Philippi.
His boots were found on the ground, standing on a crate.
Skelm's boots were found on the ground, standing on a crate. Picture supplied
Videos and images of the scene went viral on social media platforms.
Cops have since opened an inquest docket and say the man had been cutting electrical overhead cables of the railway line when he was electrocuted and died.
Police spokesperson, Siyabulela Malo explains: "An inquest docket has been opened for investigation after an unknown man was electrocuted while lying on the crossbar frame busy cutting electric overhead cables of the railway line.
Cable thief shocked to death in the pouring rain. Picture supplied
"He was found still hanging on the cross bar at Philippi Railway Service road behind Hazeldene in Philippi."
Metrorail spokesperson, Riana Scott says cops are investigating the incident: Metrorail confirms that a body was found this morning between Nyanga and Philippi.
Police are investigating the possibility that it is an attempted metal theft-related electrocution.