Kwazulu-Natal – A 10-year-old boy is suspected to have been found by fishermen in crocodile-infested water after he was swept downstream in the Tugela River in KwaZulu-Natal earlier this month.
According to Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), the missing boy, Cyamtanda Sibisi was swimming with friends when he was swept downstream in the Tugela River on Monday, January 9, 2023.
“Residents combed the area for a week along the river banks searching for the boy. Two days later, fishermen in the area reported seeing a child’s body floating in the water,” Rusa said in a statement.
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“They did not enter the water fearing for their safety as that part of the river is known to be infested with crocodiles,” it added.
RUSA deployed a crew in a helicopter to attempt to find the missing boy who was a pupil at Ubuhlebesumbili Primary School.
“On Monday January 16, 2023 the family made contact with Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) seeking assistance. The Pilot & Crew kitted up with floatation devices & flew 84 kms out to the Tugela River this morning.
“After a briefing with the family the Aircraft conducted a low-level search of several kilometres of the river. The crew spotted a huge crocodile in the water & opted to land in the vicinity and search an island on foot.”
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Picture: Facebook/ Reaction Unit South Africa
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Compiled by Junaid Benjamin
