A search for a missing three-year-old boy in Mandeni ended in tragedy on Tuesday morning when his body was discovered in an old septic tank near his home.

According to reports, the child was last seen at around 4 pm on Monday before being reported missing by his family.

Search efforts were immediately launched, with teams from IPSS Search and Rescue, SAPS K9 Search and Rescue, and the South African Police Service responding to the scene.

Sadly, after a brief search, rescuers located the toddler’s body inside a disused septic tank close to the family residence.

The child’s remains were handed over to SAPS, who have confirmed that an investigation into the incident is underway.

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This is a developing story. More updates on our Facebook page, Missing Person South Africa.