Body of Greenside High head boy, Reza Saloojee found
The search for Reza Saloojee, ended in a tragedy as his body was recovered from the Vaal Dam, three days after going missing while on a fishing trip.
The body of 18-year-old Reza Saloojee, a matric learner and head boy at Greenside High School, has been recovered from the Vaal Dam, three days after he was reported missing. Reza had disappeared on Sunday afternoon during a family fishing trip, prompting an intensive search involving police divers, drones, and helicopters.
Read more: Greenside High learner presumed drowned in Vaal Dam
Reports indicate that Reza may have entered the water to retrieve some belongings that were blown into the dam by a gust of wind. Witnesses suggest that despite being a strong swimmer, Reza was overwhelmed by the strong current and wind, which prevented him from returning to shore. He was last seen struggling in the water before disappearing.
On Tuesday afternoon, after a three-day search, police divers from Tshwane, Johannesburg, and West Rand located Reza’s body approximately 100 metres from where he was believed to have drowned. The recovery marks the end of a desperate and emotional search that saw more than 20 divers combing the waters.
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According to a statement issued by SAPS, his family was at the scene when the team of SAPS divers found the body.
“The divers started at 08:00 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,” read the statement.
The news of Reza’s passing has sent shockwaves through the community. Since the incident, social media has been flooded with messages of support and condolences for his family and friends, with many expressing their sorrow and paying tribute to a young life lost too soon.
Further details will be provided as more information becomes available.
Rosebank Killarney Gazette joins the community in sending thoughts and prayers to Reza’s family and friends during this difficult time.
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