An official at the Gauteng department of health was found dead at the office on Sunday after failing to return home from work on Friday.

The male official, whose name cannot be released at this stage, worked at the Tshwane district office on the corner of Lilian Ngoyi and Pretorius streets in Pretoria.

In an audio file obtained by the Sowetan, the district manager Motsimoni Pitsi revealed the death.

“I’d like to confirm that a body of one of our employees was found in the offices this morning after failing to return home from work on Friday. The department would like to convey its condolences to the family and the staff and counselling services have been arranged for both staff and family. The matter is a subject of investigation by the Tshwane central police station,” Pitsi said.

Late on Sunday, police were yet to officially provide comment but the brother of the deceased confirmed the death. He, however, declined to provide any details.

“We cannot comment at this stage. We are leaving everything to the police who must do the investigations,” he said.