A missing 16-year-old Ballito teenager was found late last night after the community came together – in an incredible demonstration of support – to search for him.

The Ashton International Collage pupil was missing for more than six hours before he was found near the N2 off-ramp at Salt Rock.

Ashton principal Joe Erasmus said he was in awe of the way the community had come out in full force to assist the search.

“We had pupils, teachers, parents, security and paramedic companies, Umhlali police, the UIP and many, many people who just heard the news and joined the search, looking around the streets, beaches and every corner of town,” said Erasmus.

The boy had attended school as per normal but had made some concerning remarks before disappearing after school was out that afternoon.

Viva Security‘s JP Viljoen, who assisted with the coordination of the search, said the boy was first sighted at a Ballito service station, later in Salt Rock and finally at Sasol Salt Rock.

The runaway had even changed his clothes during the evening, making it more difficult for searchers to recognise him.

“When the staff at Sasol reported seeing him we checked their CCTV footage and confirmed that he had been there and asked for a glass of water.

“Umhlali SAPS then checked along the N2 where they found him,” said Viljoen.

Erasmus said it had been an emotional evening, and a “testimony to the power of prayer”.

“Many people stood together on the beach and prayed for his safe return.

“At Ashton we look after one another. He (the boy) was gobsmacked that so many people cared about him.”

After the boy had been reunited with his family he received counseling.

“He is a lovely kid, part of both the swimming team and the sound team. We are so thankful that he was brought home safely.”

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