THE search for missing seven-year-old Sqalo Phumelela Ntlooa has ended in tragedy for his family with his body being pulled out of a river in Cato Manor this afternoon.

The Grade Two Nsimbini Primary School learner went missing while hunting with three friends and several dogs in the Cato Manor Forest on Sunday. According to Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), Ntlooa and his friends entered the Nsimbini Cato Manor Forest near Albert Luthuli, and while they returned the seven-year-old never made it out.

“His friends provided conflicting reports with some saying that he had not returned with them from hunting and others stating that he proceeded to a local tuck shop to play arcade games after the hunt,” said RUSA spokesperson, Prem Balram.

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“Employees at the tuck shop were interviewed by a search party, but denied seeing the child. One child alleged that Ntlooa boarded an unknown vehicle after they returned. This information could also not be verified.”

A frantic search for the child ensued with community members lending a helping hand alongside law enforcement. The RUSA R44 helicopter conducted an aerial search of the area this morning and Ntlooa’s clothes were identified on a river bank, near the Albert Luthuli Hospital.

“The pilot crew searched along the river and identified a pool that could possibly be the area of drowning. His body was located shortly afterwards at the bottom of the plunge pool and removed by a community member,” said Balram. He added that members of the Cato Manor SAPS are on scene and an investigation is underway.

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