The search for missing Rhodes University student Fulufhelo ‘Lekay’ Munzhelele has ended in tragedy after his body was recovered early Saturday morning at East Beach in Port Alfred.
The 22-year-old from Musina, Limpopo, disappeared in the early hours of Friday after entering the water with two fellow students. According to the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), all three were believed to have been caught in a rip current. The other two—a male and a female—managed to swim to safety and were unharmed.
An extensive search operation was launched immediately involving the NSRI, SAPS, Police K9 Search and Rescue, Multi Security, and the SAPS Water Policing and Diving Services. After nearly 24 hours of coordinated efforts by land, sea, and air, Munzhelele’s body was discovered at around 1am.
The body has been taken into the care of the Police and Government Health Forensic Pathology Services for formal identification, though authorities believe it is Munzhelele.
Police have opened an inquest docket to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death. Meanwhile, Rhodes University and law enforcement have extended their condolences to the student’s family, friends, and university community. The two surviving students have asked for privacy as they process the incident.