A construction worker today found a cooler box, which he initially thought was a bomb, but actually contained R1.5 million in cash.

"The construction worker intended digging a six-metre hole for a drainage system in Edenvale when he found a medium-sized cooler box buried deep down," said Ekhuruleni Metro Police spokesman Kobeli G Mokheseng.

He said the worker thought it was a bomb and alerted police.

"Officers rushed to the 10th Avenue building and opened the blue and white container that seemed to be hidden underground for a long time.

"When the container was opened we found R50 and R20 notes to an estimated value of R1.5 million."

He did not want to say where the money was taken to, so that the case was not jeopardised.

No arrests were made. Investigations are continuing. - Sapa