AN educator has turned down a R50 000 reward after she helped find Slade Thomas, an Umgeni Park resident who had been missing since Saturday (September 5).

Thomas was found safe, unharmed and reunited with his family on Monday morning after days of searching involving the local community.

Lezé van der Walt, an educator at Northlands Primary School, said she was guided by God in helping find Thomas, who she spotted sitting in the bushes on Norrie Avenue, not far from the Durban North police station.

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According to Van der Walt she spotted Thomas in the same black hoodie he was last seen wearing when he left his home on Hunters Way.

“I had my five-year-old son with me and that morning I had asked God to guide me and take me to find this man (Slade Thomas). I don’t always take Norrie Avenue on my route to school but this morning I did. It was like the holy spirit stopped me as I rounded the bend in the road.

“I saw a man fairly hidden, sitting in the bushes with his legs crossed. He matched the description I had seen on the missing poster on social media. I stopped next to the road and asked him what his name is. Initially he gave me a false name but I think he wanted to be left alone. I then called the number listed for the people looking for him. I was so happy when they arrived to help reunite him,” she said.

Van der Walt said Thomas’ family had been in touch to thank her and ask about the reward but she turned it down, saying it was God’s work.

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Greg Parry, a family spokesperson for Thomas, thanked everyone who helped bring him home and said he wanted gratitude to be the focus of his family’s message.

“On behalf of the family, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who assisted in the search for our father. During some of the most frightening days our family has faced, you stood beside us and helped us keep going. Knowing that so many people cared and were willing to help meant more than we can ever put into words.

“‘Thank you’ will never feel like enough. We will never forget the kindness, care and selflessness shown to our father and our family. This community came together when we needed it most, and we will always be grateful.

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