Three of four SA drowning victims’ bodies now recovered in Mozambique

The families of the four South Africans who presumably drowned in Mozambique say they are disappointed in The South African ambassador in Mozambique for his lack of support, reports the Middelburg Observer.

They said they were pleased with the progress made in locating the bodies of their loved ones, but the search was conducted out of private pockets with no help from the South African ambassador, Mandisu Mphahlawa.

They have thanked the Limpopo premier and the Elias Motsoaledi municipality for their support.

They mayor, Julia Mathebe, and her municipal manager weng to Mozambique to assist the families on behalf of the premier.

The families asked for space to grieve and continue the search for the remaining body. They said they wouls not be giving personal media interviews.

The body of a male was recovered on Thursday while the bodies of two females were recovered on Friday (yesterday).

The group travelled to the Portuguese Island on Monday. Four were overpowered by a sea current and presumably drowned. The four who went missing have been identified as Tjolo David Kaise, Gregory Mfane and two Groblersdal residents, Mahlogonolo Mmatholo and Lesego Matsepe.

The remaining four of the group are all from Groblersdal and Tafelkop. They are Vincent Rammupudu, Lesedi Mmotong, Basetsana Mogafe and Lefentse Mampuru.

Limpopo Premier Stanley Mathabatha conveyed his condolences to the families involved.

The search escalated after a woman from Groblersdal, Limpopo asked for help on the DriveMoz Facebook group on Monday night. Her neighbour in Groblersdal asked for her assistance after he was contacted by his daughter, telling him that four of her friends had been missing since Monday afternoon.

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