Missing lifeguard search draws to a close

01 December 2020

Statement by the Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien

After three continuous days of an extensive search for a seasonal City Lifeguard who went missing in the surf during a rescue operation, the City can confirm that his body was found early yesterday evening, on the shore between Sonwabe and Sunrise Beach.

Emergency services arrived immediately on the scene and paramedics declared him deceased on site.

The City expresses its heartfelt condolences to his family and friends, as well as his colleagues during this difficult time. This is the first staff member that the Recreation and Parks Department has lost in the line of duty. His life will be honoured among the few exceptional men and women, who sacrificed their own lives to save others.

Thokozani Mthethwa was 23 years old.

He was a seasonal lifeguard working along Muizenberg Beach when he fell off a rescue sled being towed by a jet ski while on route to assist a kite surfer in distress off St James on Saturday, 28 November 2020.

We are deeply saddened by the outcomes of the extensive 3-day search undertaken by teams of internal staff and external partners, and would like to extend our gratitude to all parties who came together and spared no resources, tirelessly working together in order to find Thokozani since he went missing.

As a result of large gatherings being restricted due to COVID-19, details of a memorial service for family and staff are being carefully considered.

The impact that Thokozani has had on our lives will always be remembered. We pay tribute to him for his bravery and service and hope that as the season progresses, we will be spared any further loss of life.

End

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office