Police in Mahwelereng, in Limpopo, have opened an inquest after the body of a missing 21-year-old man, who resides at Maruteng village was retrieved from the Mogalakwena river.
21-year-old Brian Rammutla was last seen alive on 16 July 2022 as he was making his way to visit his grandfather.
Lieutenant-Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the Limpopo police spokesperson said the body of the 21-year-old was retrieved on Monday afternoon.
“SAPS Search and Rescue Unit officers were dispatched to the scene after fishermen discovered the lifeless body of a man floating in the river. The body was retrieved with assistance of the local police and in the presence of the local community,” said Ledwaba.
“The shocking discovery was made after the deceased went missing on 16 July. Consequently, his family reported the matter at the Mahwelereng police station.”
Rammutla allegedly left his home in Maruteng Village, Mohlabeng Section around 18:30. He was on his way to visit his grandfather in Moshate Village, which is also in the Mahwelereng policing area, but he never made it to his grandfather’s house.
Police immediately launched an investigation and began looking for the missing man until the lifeless body was discovered was found on Monday.
“It is not clear at this stage how the deceased got into the river but the unfolding police investigations will ultimately reveal the cause of death. Police appeal to the community members to give them space to fully investigate the matter,” said Ledwaba.
“Anyone with information regarding this incident may contact the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, the nearest police station or the Ms SAPS App. Police investigations continue.”
Source: The South African, News24, IOL, image from IOL: Rusa