Body of missing Limpopo fisherman found
Lutendo Sitsei went missing after his boat sank on the Nwanedi-Luphephe Dam almost two weeks ago, and his body has recently been recovered.
LIMPOPO – The search for Lutendo Walter Sitsei, a 33-year-old fisherman who went missing while fishing at Nwanedi-Luphephe Dam recently, ended in tragedy when his body was recovered by police divers last Monday.
Sitsei, from Tshikotoni village near Gumela in the Mutale area, had gone fishing with a friend on June 7.
According to his friend, Sitsei was using a fish net and a boat when he announced that his boat was sinking.
Despite frantic efforts by villagers from Tshikotoni, Manzhenge and Gumela, Sitsei’s body was not found until four days later.
Read more here: Search continues for missing Limpopo fisherman
Ndidzulafhi Nethononda, a family member, spoke about the heartache the family endured during the search.
“Life has been hard since we heard the heartbreaking news. We have had sleepless nights, praying that we could at least recover his body to give him a proper burial. Walter was trying to make an honest living through fishing, supporting his family in an area where jobs are scarce.”
The traditional leader of Tshikotoni, Manzhenge and Tshitandani, Vhamusanda Nndavheleseni Netshitandani, expressed his sorrow over the incident.
“The death of Walter is a great loss to our community. He was a hardworking individual who chose fishing over illicit means to support himself,” Netshitandani said. “This is the third drowning in our village, and it’s deeply upsetting.”
Acting Vhembe police spokesperson, WO Vuledzani Dathi, confirmed that the Mutale police have opened an inquest.
“It is thought that the victim was with his friend, fishing using nets and a boat. The victim reportedly went to check the nets and his friend heard him say that his boat was sinking.
“The victim then sank with his boat,” Dathi stated. The police were summoned, and a thorough search was conducted, but only the nets were initially retrieved.
Sitsei’s body remains in the government mortuary as funeral arrangements are being finalised. The community continues to mourn the loss of a man who strived to earn an honest living in challenging circumstances.
