JOHANNESBURG (AP) — South African police are investigating an image posted on Facebook of a white man with a hunting rifle and a big grin kneeling in a classic hunter’s pose over his “prey” — what appears to be the lifeless body of a black boy.

The picture was published on the front page of South Africa’s Sunday Times along with a police plea for the man in the picture or anyone who recognizes him to help their investigation.

It is not clear if the picture is authentic, or whether it has been digitally manipulated. Also unknown is the fate of the child.

The Sunday Times quotes officials saying anyone party to the production and posting of the photograph could be charged under several laws including the Children’s Act, the Films and Publications Act and the Criminal Procedure Act.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.