Tragic end to three-day search as SAPS recovers body of drowned 18-year-old in Vaal Dam

The three-day search for the 18- year-old boy who drowned on Sunday afternoon in the Vaal dam has ended tragically today when SAPS divers retrieved his body.

His family was at the scene when the team of SAPS divers found the body at about 16:00. The search team consisted of water police and diving services from Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg, Tshwane and Sedibeng. Ekurhuleni and Sedibeng K9 units were also assisting with the search. The divers started at 8am daily and finished at 18:00.

The team was under the leadership of Warrant officer CR Swanepoel from Ekurhuleni divers. The team was also assisted by the local police who were a pillar of support throughout the search. Vaal Marina Police have since opened an inquest docket. The Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing in Gauteng, Major General Fred Kekana said this shows commitment on our divers as they spent long hours looking for the boy.

He said these members had just returned from a week long refresher course in Durban and they did not hesitate to jump in and help when assistance was needed. This is commendable and we are appealing to communities to work closely with them, he said.