By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
SA police services in Gauteng spokesperson Colonel Kweza Nxolo have confirmed that the body of the matric pupil Reza Saloojee,18 has been found.
This follows a three-day search that involved various Police units.
Saloojee disappeared under the water while trying to retrieve some of his belongings that a gust of wind had blown away.
He was fishing with family next to the dam over the long weekend.
“Vaal Marina Police have since opened an inquest docket”, said Kweza.
“The three day search for the 18-year-old boy who drowned on Sunday afternoon in the Vaal dam has ended tragically today when the SAPS divers found his body inside the dam.
“She said the victim’s family were at the scene when the team of SAPS divers found the body around 4pm.
“The search team consisted of water police and diving services from Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg, Tshwane and Sedibeng.”
She said the divers started at 8am daily and finished at around 6pm under the leadership of Warrant officer CR Swanepoel from Ekurhuleni divers.
Kweza said Vaal Marina SAPS have opened an inquest docket.
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.