DailySun
Pretoria – On Saturday morning, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) reported that police divers have retrieved the body of a missing toddler from the lake at Hartbeespoort Dam.
Arthur Crewe, the station commander of NSRI Hartbeespoort Dam, addressed the unfortunate event, stating: “At 04:00 on Friday, 20 December, the duty crew of NSRI Hartbeespoort Dam was mobilized by the SA Police Services to assist in the ongoing search for a two-year-old boy who had been reported missing since Thursday afternoon, 19 December, near Eeladsfontein, Tshwane, along a small river leading to Hartbeespoort Dam, adjacent to the N4 Magalies Freeway.”
The NSRI Hartbeespoort Dam swift water rescue team worked in conjunction with Police Water Policing and Diving Services, Police K9 Search and Rescue, Tshwane Water Rescue, and Tshwane Emergency Services to conduct an exhaustive search for the child.
“The toddler was last seen by family members playing in a field near the river by Hartbeespoort Dam, but when he failed to return home, an alarm was raised,” said Crewe.
“The extensive search operation encompassed the river and surrounding areas, aided by a Police helicopter that supported the mission.
“During the search, police divers found and recovered the child’s body from the river.”
Crewe indicated that the child’s remains have been transferred to the police and the Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.
“We express our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased child,” Crewe added.
“All agencies involved in the search extend their care, compassion, and support to the family during this difficult period.”
The police have opened an Inquest docket.
