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Missing 5-year-old found dead in Mutale River

Tragic end to search for Nndwaasiyashu

By Elmon Tshikhudo • 4 May 2026
Missing 5-year-old found dead in Mutale River

The search for five-year-old Nndwaasiyashu Tanzwani, missing since 2 May, tragically ended when his body was discovered in the Mutale River on 4 May. Police have opened an inquest docket to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death, with the cause currently unknown.

A tragic discovery has brought an end to the search for a missing five-year-old boy from Makonde Shadani village, near Thohoyandou.

The child, Nndwaasiyashu Tanzwani, who was reported missing on Saturday, 2 May, was found in the nearby Mutale River on Monday, 4 May, at about 12:00. According to police, a passer-by made the discovery and alerted authorities.

The boy’s mother later identified the body at the scene.

Vhembe police spokesperson Captain Vuledzani Dathi confirmed that an inquest docket has been opened.

“Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of the child after his body was discovered in the Mutale River. At this stage, the cause of death is still unknown and investigations are continuing,” he said.

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