FREE STATE — The body of a missing child has finally been recovered from the Kgotptjane River in Phuthaditjhaba, bringing a tragic conclusion to an extensive search and recovery operation that was initially hindered by severe weather conditions.
The heartbreaking incident occurred on 19 September 2026, when the 11-year-old boy reportedly drowned in the river. According to spokespersons for the Phuthaditjhaba police, the child’s friends witnessed the drowning and immediately raised the alarm. In response, local law enforcement collaborated with the Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality Rescue and Divers Team to launch an urgent search. However, early recovery attempts were significantly hampered by adverse weather conditions in the area.
Despite the challenging environment, authorities deployed various resources to scour the waterways. Spokespersons for the Phuthaditjhaba police confirmed that a police helicopter was utilized to conduct aerial scans of the surrounding riverbanks in a relentless effort to locate the young boy.
The breakthrough in the case came on Tuesday, 29 September 2026. Community members near the river noticed what appeared to be a human body trapped against a tree in the water. The alert citizens immediately notified the authorities. Police swiftly responded to the scene and worked alongside the municipal rescue and divers team to safely retrieve the body from the river.
Following the recovery, the deceased was positively identified by his uncle as 11-year-old Letlogang Reitumetse Mokakuoa.
Authorities noted that the successful retrieval of the child’s body has brought a measure of closure to the grieving family, who had been anxiously awaiting news of their loved one since his disappearance.
An inquest docket has been officially opened by the police to conduct further investigations into the circumstances surrounding the drowning.
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