The body of a man was found hanging from a petrol tank at the department of public works in Vereeniging on Thursday, said Vaal Triangle police.
"His upper body was inside the petrol tank, while the rest of his body was outside. Two 25 litres full of petrol were found near his body," said Captain Shado Mashobane.
It was believed that the man, who was employed at the department, suffocated while trying to steal petrol from the tank.
Paramedics certified the man dead on the scene at 7am.
An inquest case was being investigated, Mashobane said.
"His upper body was inside the petrol tank, while the rest of his body was outside. Two 25 litres full of petrol were found near his body," said Captain Shado Mashobane.
It was believed that the man, who was employed at the department, suffocated while trying to steal petrol from the tank.
Paramedics certified the man dead on the scene at 7am.
An inquest case was being investigated, Mashobane said.