Missing Glendale teenager Sandiswa Zamani Sibiya (19) was found dead on Thursday, bringing an extensive search for him to a tragic end.

Sibiya had been missing since the weekend after failing to return home following a school trip.

Glendale police spokesperson Sergeant Sibusiso Khuzwayo said his body was found at the bottom of a 50-metre ditch in Glendale.

“We would like to thank all the role players who came to assist with the search and the members of the public. We are still waiting for the forensic team and the investigation is underway,” said Khuzwayo.

The discovery followed an extensive search on Wednesday involving Glendale Saps, IPSS Search and Rescue, Empangeni K9 Search and Rescue, volunteers and Glendale residents.

A private helicopter from BadulAir Aviation was also brought in to assist with the aerial search.

Sibiya was last seen after leaving his home at about 3pm on Friday, August 14, to stay with a friend in Glendale Heights ahead of a school trip the following day.

He was expected to return home after the trip, but his family became concerned when he failed to do so.

On Monday, August 17, Sibiya’s mother received his cellphone and charger from one of his friends.

The friend told the family that Sibiya and his friends had returned from the school trip and later gone to a place known as Thula’s, where they allegedly consumed alcohol.

According to his friends, Sibiya later left the group, saying he was going to sleep. He was not seen again.

The circumstances surrounding his death remain under police investigation.