Pretoria – On Saturday morning, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) reported that police divers have recovered the remains of a missing toddler from the lake at Hartbeespoort Dam.

Arthur Crewe, commander of the NSRI Hartbeespoort Dam station, provided details on this heartbreaking situation, stating: “At 04:00 on Friday, 20 December, the NSRI Hartbeespoort Dam duty crew was called by the SA Police Services to assist in the search for a two-year-old boy who had been reported missing since late afternoon on Thursday, 19 December, near Eeladsfontein, Tshwane, on a small river leading to Hartbeespoort Dam, close to the N4 Magalies Freeway.”

The NSRI Hartbeespoort Dam swift water rescue team joined forces with Police Water Policing and Diving Services, Police K9 Search and Rescue, Tshwane Water Rescue, and Tshwane Emergency Services to conduct a thorough search for the child.

“The last known sighting of the toddler was while playing in a field near the river close to Hartbeespoort Dam. An alarm was raised when he did not return home,” Crewe explained.

“The extensive search operation included assistance from a Police helicopter.”

“During this operation, police divers found and retrieved the child’s body from the river.”

Crewe shared that the child’s remains have been handed over to the police and Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased child,” Crewe added.

“All parties involved in the search are offering their care, compassion, and thoughts to the family during this difficult time.”

Police have opened an Inquest docket.