Search for missing toddler during storm ends in tragedy – inland of Mandeni

The body of a young child was found floating in a stream last night after a two-hour long joint search and rescue mission by medics and the SAPS.

The child, three months shy of two years of age, had gone missing earlier on Sunday morning in Sundumbili, inland of Mandeni.

It appears the child, together with a group of children, had gone to tend cattle at a nearby kraal.

IPSS Medical Rescue spokesperson, Dylan Meyrick said that when the group were returning home the 21-month-old boy had gotten separated from the group.

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Authorities were later alerted when the family were unable to locate the child.

A joint search and rescue initiative followed and, with severe weather underway, time was of the essence.

Despite the growing storm, the search continued and, approximately 200m from the homestead, Umhlali K9 rescue dog, Dante, picked up the scent of the child.

The child’s lifeless body was found in a stream.

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