Reza was on a fishing trip with his family when a strong current reportedly swept him away on Sunday afternoon. Photo: X/Abramjee
Missing Greenside High School matric pupil Reza Saloojee has been found dead.
Gauteng police spokesperson Noxolo Kweza confirmed to The Citizen that the 18-year-old’s body was found on Tuesday.
It is understood Saloojee was found about 100 metres from the spot where he was presumed to have drowned.
ALSO READ: Search for missing Reza Saloojee continues at Vaal Dam [VIDEO]
Kweza said 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 three-day search for the 18-year-old boy who drowned on Sunday afternoon in the Vaal dam has ended tragically today(Tuesday) when the SAPS divers found his body inside the dam,” Kweza said.
Kweza said Saloojee’s family was at the scene when the team of SAPS divers found the body around 4pm.
“The divers started at 8am daily and finished at 6pm. 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,” Kweza added.
Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing in Gauteng Major General Fred Kekana commended police divers as they spent long hours looking for Saloojee.
Kekana said the officers 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.”
ALSO READ: France youth rugby player ‘swept away’ by wave in Cape Town
He was on a fishing trip with his family over the weekend when he went into the dam to retrieve some belongings.
A strong current reportedly swept him away, leading to an extensive search by police divers over two days.
ALSO READ: Body of missing 20-year-old South African man found off Greek coast
Download our app and read this and other great stories on the move. Available for Android and iOS.
