What happened to Mojalefa Savhuli? – Toddler’s body recovered from Roodepoort dam

The body of three-year-old Mojalefa Savhuli, who went missing on Freedom Day, was found in a Roodepoort dam, prompting a police inquest.

The search for three-year-old Mojalefa Ndivho Savhuli, who went missing on Saturday, 27 April 2025, ended in tragedy on Thursday morning when his body was discovered in a local dam near Tshepisong, Roodepoort.

Police inquest docket opened after horror discovery of Mojafela Savhuli in Roodepoort dam

According to his family, Mojalefa was last seen playing near a sports field not far from his home. His mother made a public plea for help on social media that day, saying he was missing and that the family had reported his disappearance to the Roodepoort Police Station.

mojalefa sivhuli mom Facebook post
Photo: Murunwa Savhuli / Facebook

Police said Mojalefa’s body was spotted by a group of boys walking past the dam early on Thursday. The dam is located roughly two kilometres from where the child was last seen. His family later confirmed his identity.

SAPS spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed that an inquest docket has been opened. This means police are formally investigating the circumstances that led to Mojalefa’s death, including whether it was an accident or if someone may have been responsible.

“We are not sure whether the child was killed somewhere and dumped in this dam, or whether he walked to the dam and drowned. That one, we are not sure. It will be part of the investigation,” said Masondo.

The community expressed confusion and frustration over the discovery, pointing out that they had already searched the dam during the initial days of the boy’s disappearance and had found nothing.

Some questioned how the body appeared days later in an area they had combed through thoroughly.

“We understand that the community is angry at the moment. We also sympathise with them,” Masondo added.

At this stage, police have not confirmed any signs of foul play, and the results of the post-mortem examination will be crucial in determining how Mojalefa died. The inquest process will also explore whether safety measures in the area were adequate, particularly around water sources close to residential zones.

The investigation remains ongoing, and police are appealing to the public for any information that could help explain how Mojalefa ended up in the dam. Anyone with relevant details is encouraged to contact the Roodepoort Police Station.