A man was knocked over by a passenger train in Mokopane outside Polokwane on Tuesday.
Police spokesperson Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe said they are investigating a case of culpable homicide.
"It is alleged that a passenger train was travelling between Mokopane and Ysterberg about 35 kilometres from Mokopane when it knocked over an unknown man, killing him instantly," Ngoepe said.
Ngoepe said the deceased's body was found lying alongside the railway line with multiple injuries to his head and body.
He said the man is still unknown, but he is a middle aged man who might be in his 20's.
The man was wearing a green cap, mixed coloured t-shirt and a black trouser.
Ngoepe urged anyone who can assist the cops in the identification of the deceased, to go to the Mokopane Police Station.