Kasouga drowning victim found

STAFF REPORTER

THE body of a 21-year-old man who drowned at Kasouga on December 27 was recovered in Port Alfred last Wednesday.

A massive search had been launched for Thuthukani Zondi from Amanzimtoti, who was caught in a rip current at Kasouga beach, about 18km from Port Alfred towards Port Elizabeth.

The KwaZulu-Natal resident, who would have started his final year at the University of Pretoria studying a B Comm, was on holiday with friends when the incident occurred, said police spokesman Captain Mali Govender.

"He had just arrived with friends on Thursday evening (December 27) and decided to go for a swim before dusk fell when he disappeared before his friend who tried in vain to get to him,” said Govender.

Police diver, Warrant Officer Tertuis Neethling and Port Alfred K9 search and rescue dog handler, Warrant Officer Rocco Malherbe walked about 40km daily in their search for Zondi’s body.

The beach is rugged and rocky in some areas, which makes it inaccessible for vehicles.

Police were assisted by friends of the victim, pilots in helicopters from the air show at 43 Air School, as well as members of the community.

At about 9am last Wednesday morning, a tourist and a local resident were walking at Shelly Beach in Port Alfred when they noticed the body of the victim among the rocks. It was about 15km from where he had drowned.

They alerted the police. An inquest docket has been opened for investigation.