A 17-year-old boy from Khayelitsha allegedly drowned while swimming at Monwabisi Beach on Saturday, 16 May, while four others were rescued.
Provincial police spokesperson Capt FC van Wyk confirmed the incident, stating that at approximately 12:30, the Water Policing and Diving Services (WPDS) were requested by Harare police officers to assist in the search for the missing teenager, who had allegedly drowned while swimming with friends.
Rough sea conditions hinder diving operations
“A vessel search was conducted and despite an extensive sea and shoreline search there remains no signs of the missing teenager. Due to rough sea conditions, diving operations could not be carried out. The City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services and the NSRI also participated in the search. The operation continued until 15:00,” said Van Wyk.
Missing person case opened by SAPS
He added that a missing person report had been opened following the disappearance of the 17-year-old boy.
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Funeka Soldaat, the Khayelitsha Sub-District coordinator on gender-based violence (GBV), described the incident as shocking. She said it was alleged that the missing teenager had attended the beach outing with fellow church congregants.
“It is alleged that they were a group of church members from Ndlovini in Khayelitsha. Some were swimming while others were playing football on the shore. A group of boys went swimming. One of the boys allegedly drowned, while the others were rescued by lifesavers,” said Soldaat.
Community leader raises concerns over supervision
She criticised the church members for what she described as negligence, saying there appeared to have been a lack of supervision over the children.
“Churches need to be regulated so that there can be proper control and supervision. We are appealing to law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident,” she said.
Police divers from WPDS continue with ongoing search efforts for the missing teenager.
