By More Matshediso
Pretoria - The search for Bongani Mosia of Deneysville continues after he went missing, along with his friend on Saturday afternoon.
Bongani’s friend, Nthako Thithi, was found dead by police divers in the Vaal Dam on Monday.
Police spokesperson Colonel Thandi Mbambo said police divers went to search for the two boys after community members informed police that they saw boys, fitting the description of the two, in the vicinity of the Vaal Dam in Deneysville.
“… The boys’ clothes were found in the river bank. Police divers from the Vaal Rand were summoned to the scene and began searching at about 2pm. The body of Nthako was found and retrieved from the water before 4pm [on Monday],” Mbambo said.
She said police divers had to call off the search soon thereafter, and had to resume it on Tuesday morning.
The boys were last seen playing under the bridge in Refengkgotso near Deneysville around 5pm.
Two men, aged 21 and 32, were arrested by police for questioning and for their own safety, on Sunday, in connection with the disappearance of the boys.
Mbambo said the men will be released today because they couldn’t be linked to any of the crimes.
“Social Development MEC Sisi Ntombela will address the community today before their release. She will calm the community down because they [two men] were suspected to be the culprits by the community,” she said.
Ntombela condemned the incident, saying it was unacceptable.
“The provincial government is also disheartened by the incident and we will visit the area to show support. The time has come for all South Africans to stand up to ensure that the most vulnerable in society are protected and nurtured,” said Ntombela.
She also calls on the community to not take the law into their own hands and allow police to do their job.
Ntombela will chair a meeting today at Dennisville Community Hall to unite the community. - SAnews.gov.za
