EVATON – It is almost two weeks without finding Gadu, who is believed to have been swept away by a heavy water current.
Despite an ongoing search operation by the SAPS search and rescue team at the site where he was last seen, residents believe an extra hand may speed up the process of finding him.
ALSO READ: Rescue search continues for (19) year old man swept by heavy river current in Small farm
Dozens of women prayed on the side of the river, as men went in the reeds with the hope of getting a leeway.
On Tuesday afternoon, two members of the community, one dressed in yellow raincoats, cuffed with an orange rope, entered the deep waters to sweep debris under river water.
ALSO READ: Almost a week later, there is still no sign of missing Samkelo
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, family spokesman Nhlanhla Gadu, uncle to the missing 19-year-old said they have tried everything to find the boy.
“We remain hopeful. We are almost in the second week of trying to find the body of Samkelo and without any luck. Residents decided to conduct their own thorough search and we can’t stop them. Yes, we are worried about their safety, but their gesture humbles us,” he said.
“People are going through risks by making sure they help us find the boy because every day we come here, we go back empty-handed. Our family is very frustrated by this ordeal,” he added.
ALSO READ: Mayor visits family of missing Samkelo Gadu
Nhlanhla said they can only hope for the best, especially after residents showed so much commitment.
“It’s enough now. The only thing we can hope for is seeing his bones surface above the water. We don’t know what to expect, we hope God can show us signs now. We really suffered a lot and just want to put this issue to rest,” said Gadu.
On Wednesday, February 22, the Sedibeng District Municipality (SDM) Chief Whip Mamohale Fatimah Moloi graced the scene for the first time, flanked by Evaton Station Commander, Brigadier Doctor Sibuyi.
SAPS search and rescue teams were also present including Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) emergency services.
