A 12-day search for a 20-month-old boy who drowned in the Klip River in Soweto ended on Tuesday when his body was recovered about 800m from where he was last seen.

The search and rescue team had to block part of the river to get to Athini Bokveld’s body that was trapped in reeds, tree roots and plastics about one-and-a-half metres down. A member of the search and rescue team, who did not want to be named because he is not authorised to speak to the media, said they had committed to search until they found Athini's body.

The official said they had been searching from the point of entry to the N12 but the water levels were too high and contaminated. “We decided to get an excavator to assist us to dig and close the river at a nearby bridge," said the official, adding that the aquatic unit, dive unit and water police were positioned in strategic areas around the river.

“Once we had closed the bridge, the water levels started to subside allowing us to [start with our] search. We found the child under debris and plastics."

 Athini, who vanished on August 3, was playing at a neighbour’s house next to the river at Freedom Charter Square. Police began the search after they were alerted that the child had vanished into the river. An inquest docket has been opened.

Police spokesman Captain Hitler Ngwenya said: “We applaud the members that did such a good job, it shows their commitment to serve the community."