The family of 17-year-old Thomas Junior Sithole is demanding urgent answers after the Driehoek High School learner’s body was found on Monday.
Thomas Sithole he went missing during a boat outing on the Vaal River on Friday.
17-year-old Thomas Sithole disappeared during a boat outing with other learners.
According to the Vaal based local news, family member Sebongile Radebe said Thomas was on a boat with friends, all minors, with the skipper being the father of one of the boys.
The group allegedly stopped at a resort in the area for drinks before returning by boat at around 6pm.
Radebe said while the boat was in transit, the boys were changing seats when Thomas went to the back to fetch a soft drink.
Moments later, they realised he was no longer on board.
“It is a small boat. There is no way someone falls in without anyone noticing,” she said.
Radebe said the boys gave conflicting explanations about noise levels on the boat and insisted Thomas was not drunk.
The group allegedly returned to a resort to check if he had been left behind.
The family was only informed around 10pm.
“That delay is deeply troubling. This is a child,” said Radebe.
She further expressed frustration with Vanderbijlpark Police Station.