Cape Town - The body of a three-year-old George boy reported missing last week has been found.
The police are now looking for a man with a scar on his face who was seen leading Simoxolile Linosa from near his Thembalethu home a week ago. On Thursday night, the police released an identikit of the man.
“All the circumstances surrounding the boy’s death will be investigated,” Southern Cape police spokeswoman Bernadine Steyn said.
Two young boys discovered the toddler’s body at about 3.30pm yesterday, she said.
“The boy’s body was found in the river about 2km from where he was last seen,” Steyn said.
It was unclear whether the toddler had drowned, but this would be investigated, she said, and added that an inquest docket had been opened.
“An autopsy will be conducted… The boy’s parents will be offered trauma counselling,” Steyn said.
Asked for the family’s contact details Steyn said they did not want to speak to the media.
Linosa disappeared while playing with his friends at about 5pm on November 29. The police said the little boy was seen with a man who had a facial scar and was dressed in a white Adidas top.
Residents and the police combed the area. On Monday police divers were called after Linosa’s denim shoes were found on a rock on the river bank but they found no trace of him.
Missing Children SA spokeswoman Nicky Rheeder said: “It is so very, very sad.”
She urged parents to be extra vigilant about their children’s whereabouts during the holidays. “Teach your child basic safety tips like knowing the home address and parents’ phone numbers,” she said. - Cape Argus