Humansdorp police cluster commander, Brigadier John Lebok, has praised drive and commitment displayed by all those involved in the search for a missing toddler.
Little Chulumanco Feni (3) was found unharmed on Friday after going missing late Thursday afternoon.
"The drive and commitment that were displayed by individuals from the police and residence who took part in the search and rescue operation is commendable. In what could have been a tragic story, ended positive with a sigh of relief from everyone," Lebok said.
In a statement the SAPS said that "a 17-hour long search and rescue operation yielded positive results when a three-year-old toddler was rescued and airlifted to Humansdorp Hospital".
"The search and rescue found a weak and shaky toddler near a creek lying on the ground today (Fri)."
Lebok said police were alerted to an incident of a missing three-year boy who never returned home after he went out of the house to play with a family dog on Thursday afternoon.
"Immediately, police search and rescue team was dispatched and resumed with a search and were assisted by the National Sea Rescue Institute volunteers," he said.
"A team of volunteers ranging from business sector to local residents also joined in the search. A police helicopter was used for the aerial search and around 13:00, a weak and dehydrated Chulumanco was spotted near a creek that joins Kromme River near Humansdorp".
He said the little boy was airlifted to Humansdorp Provincial Hospital for further treatment.
