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Today at about 12:23pm, Khayalethu Magadla was recovered by a rescue and recovery team comprising of 35 EMS officials, Hazmat and Urban Search Technicians, Water unit, K-9 unit, Air wing, Delta Scan, Ambulances from Gauteng province and 60 members of Joburg Water.

Khayalethu Magadla was recovered from the splitter chamber on the first manhole towards the samp situated at Eldorado Park Waste Plant.

It has been an excruciating 20 days for the family since the search began for the 6-year-old boy.

The Urban Search & Rescue team has consistently continued with the search through the challenging pipeline system. The team covered at least 20km from Dlamini to Eldorado Park.

Joburg Water has worked immensely in the drainage of water from different sewer systems.

MMC Tembe had this to say upon the recovery of the body: "The department sends the deepest condolences to the family in this time of difficulty and hope that they find closure now that Khayalethu is found. Our teams worked tirelessly to ensure that the family finds closure."

We thank the officials of EMS, Joburg Water and all other relevant stakeholders that came on board and helped in the search for Khaya. We give a word of appreciation to NGO Teddy Bear, for providing counselling to the family through SAPS, and Roots Butchery for providing food for the teams on site.

We'd also like to acknowledge the community of Soweto, for giving support to the family during this difficult time”, Cllr Tembe concluded.

Issued City of Johannesburg Member of the Mayoral Committee for Public Safety Cllr David Tembe