Happy reunion for little Samkelo and the hero who rescued him
The mother of a Durban toddler who was found alive after falling into a bushy trench and braving the elements for three days alone, says her son is back to his cheerful self - six months after the ordeal.
Samkelo Cele - who is now two-years-old - was reported missing by his family over a weekend in March this year.
After three days of worry, Samkelo was found just 200 metres from his Lindelani home by Sergeant Clinton Odayar from the Durban K9 Unit - with the help of his canine partner, Dante.
The child was covered in grass and some mud after sitting through wet and cold weather.
This weekend, Odayar paid a visit to the little boy he helped to rescue - and took his own daughter along to meet Samkelo.
Samkelo's mom, Thando Cele says she was concerned about him as he became reserved after the the incident - but that things have changed.
"He's much better. I don't know what to say, but he's much better now. He's normal, he's the Samkelo that I know. I'm very happy - I don't want to lose him again," she said
After his return in March, Thando told Newswatch that her son was still shaken by the incident.