The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) today recovered the body of a two-year-old boy from a river feeding the Hartbeespoort Dam who had been missing since Thursday.

“The toddler was reported missing on Thursday in the vicinity of Elandsfontein, Tshwane, near the N4 Magalies Freeway,” said Hartbeespoort Dam NSRI station commander Arthur Crewe.

The family raised alarm when the boy, who was last seen playing in a field near the river area, failed to return home.

The NSRI joined the SAPS at 04:00 on Friday to assist in the search for the missing child.

Crewe states that NSRI Hartbeespoort Dam swift water rescue swimmers and SRU (Strategic Rescue Unit), the SA Police Services, Police WPDS (Water Policing and Diving Services), Police K9 Search and Rescue, Tshwane Water Rescue, and Tshwane Emergency Services, all joined forces in the extensive search operation.

A police helicopter also joined the search efforts, scouring the river and surrounding areas.

The body of the toddler was located in the river and recovered by police divers. An inquest docket has been opened.