Cape Town – The body of lifeguard Thokozani Mthethwa, who went missing near Muizenberg beach at the weekend, has been recovered.
His body was recovered late yesterday afternoon between Strandfontein and Mnandi beach.
Employed as a seasonal lifeguard by the City of Cape Town, the 23-year old Mthethwa fell off a rescue sled being towed by a jet ski while en route to assist a kite surfer in distress off St James beach just before 3pm on Saturday. A senior lifeguard had been operating the rescue craft.
Western Cape police spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk said on Tuesday members attached to the SAPS dive unit, in conjunction with the SAPS air wing unit, had used a helicopter to do aerial searches along the coastline from Mnandi beach until Kommetjie main beach on Monday.
SAPS divers had also performed a coastal patrol on quad bikes and 4x4 vehicles from Muizenberg until Mnandi beach without success.
At about 5pm, Law Enforcement informed the diving unit that a body had been washed up between Sunrise circle and Mnandi beach, Van Wyk said.
’’The body was on dry land, no need for divers to attend above scene. An inquest case was registered for investigation,“ he said.
Gone too soon. Thokozani Mthethwa, a respectful, fun-loving, driven, responsible and adventurous young man. Rest in eternal peace TK. You will be sorely missed. 😢![CDATA[]]>😢![CDATA[]]>😢
Posted by Deshni Naidoo onMonday, November 30, 2020
Counselling has been arranged for his colleagues, family and friends.
It is suspected that Mthethwa had been knocked off the sled approximately 50 to 100 metres offshore.
Lifeguards had immediately started a search operation, with assistance from the National Sea Rescue Institute, Cape Town Law Enforcement, the Fire and Rescue Service, Disaster Risk Management and Emergency Medical Services.
IOL