The search for two-year-old Uvikelwe Maseko, who went missing while playing outside his family home in Gelekeceni last week, has ended in tragedy after police confirmed that the child was found dead.
Uvikelwe was reported missing on Wednesday, June 10, sparking an intensive search operation involving law enforcement officers, emergency responders, and concerned community members.
According to the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS), the toddler’s body was discovered in the Mbabane River, approximately 75 metres from the homestead where he was last seen playing. 
The recovery operation was conducted by police divers working alongside personnel from the Eswatini National Fire and Emergency Services, as well as emergency medical rescue teams.
In a statement released on its Facebook page, REPS confirmed the heartbreaking development and thanked members of the public for their support during the search efforts.
“The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) would like to express appreciation to members of the public for the continued support.
Uvikelwe Maseko, who was reported missing on June 10, 2026, has been located deceased in a nearby river.
His body was retrieved by the REPS Search and Rescue Team in collaboration with the Eswatini National Fire and Emergency Services,” the statement read.
