South Africa, Cape Town – Thokozani Mthethwa body was recovered late yesterday afternoon between Strandfontein and Mnandi beach after he went missing near Muizenberg beach at the weekend
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 3 pm 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 4×4 vehicles from Muizenberg until Mnandi beach without success.
At about 5 pm, 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.
According to the report, 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.
Counselling has been arranged for his colleagues, family and friends.
IOL
