Man photographed before jumping off pier
The man who jumped off Margate pier last Wednesday played for the South Coast Warriors rugby team.
POLICE have identified the man who jumped off Margate pier last Wednesday as Siyanda Dlamini (25) of Bomela, near Paddock.
According to police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Zandra Wiid his body was removed by lifeguards last Saturday morning.
Last Wednesday police searched frantically for a man who they believed had fallen or jumped off Margate pier at about 11am.
It was reported to police that a man was seen standing on the edge of the pier but before a police negotiator arrived, he had jumped into the sea. Police tried to spot him in the rough sea but there was no sign of him. Police found identity documents in clothing he had left behind on the pier.
Mias Oosthuysen, on honeymoon from Rustenburg, was on the pier with his wife and saw a man standing at the end of the pier.
“I was taking photos and I noticed the man standing at the edge of the pier. He had taken some of his clothing off and had tied it to the railing. I wanted to go to him but he looked very angry,” said Mr Oosthuysen.
He added that there were other people at the pier at the time and he heard someone say they had called the police. The Oosthuysens then left, thinking that all would be fine and the man would walk away.
“When we reached Ramsgate we saw a police search and rescue vehicle racing towards Margate. When we got back to the pier we heard that the man we had seen, had allegedly jumped into the sea. Together with the police and a number of people we searched but could not see any sign of him,” said Mr Oosthuysen.
Siyanda played flank and number eight for the South Coast Warriors rugby team. He obtained his U18 KwaZulu-Natal colours and played mostly for the second and third teams.
“This year he was part of the first team, however after sustaining an injury in a game against Rovers, Siyanda remained out for most of the season,” said Christo Henderson from the South Coast Warriors Rugby Club.
“Siyanda was a gentleman. He was very friendly, respectful and a good friend. He was very loyal to the Warriors and supported the teams. The last time I spoke to him, he was looking forward to the next rugby season,” said Mr Henderson.
Siyanda took part in the South Coast sevens tournament. He also played in the Bowls Cup which his team won.
