Authorities in Pretoria recovered the body of a 34-year-old man in Blue Valley, Centurion, on Monday night.

The Tshwane Rescue Water Team Unit recovered the body of George Tinashe Muteedzi, from Zimbabwe, who had last been seen last Tuesday (August 15) at around 16:00.

A missing person case was opened at the Olievenhoutbosch Police Station.

Authorities and EMS arrived at the scene at approximately 19:00 on Monday.

“The deceased was recovered from the small dam known as Blue Valley Dam after the family had been searching for him,” said Tshwane Police Flying Squad spokesperson Sergeant Legodi.

“We received information on social media about an unknown person in the water. The rescue water team unit immediately responded and recovered the body.

“The family members also confirmed that it is the body of their brother who had been missing.”

Family members expressed their gratitude for the posts and had kind words for the diving team as well.

“We want to thank the SAPS rescue team and Tshwane Diving Unit for their assistance and excellent work,” said Nicol Muteedzi.

“It was through their experience and knowledge that we were able to recover George’s body which had been missing for a long time.”

Praying near the dam?

The deceased was wearing church clothing and it is believed he was praying in the bush or near the dam.

Authorities urged the community to refrain from this practice and are investigating the cause of death.

“We are appealing to the community to avoid going to the dams and praying there. We currently do not have the real answer as to what caused the person’s death,” Legodi explained.

Residents with any information about this incident are encouraged to contact their local authorities.