Still no trace of boys who went missing from Wild Coast beach

It has been more than 10 days since two boys went missing at a beach on the Wild Coast, but their families say they have not given up the search.

However the boys, who are related, are presumed to have drowned.

They went for a swim, and are believed to have been swept out to sea by a rip current.

Police search and rescue teams combed Mdumbi Beach on the coast of Ngqeleni, but found no sign of the boys. Community members launched several search parties, also in vain.

Police provincial spokesperson W/O Majola Nkohli said the search efforts were continuing.

Phiwokuhle Mabhulu, 5, and his neighbour Akhonke Mlungwana, 6, of the coastal village of Tshisa, reportedly sneaked out of their homes and went to the popular beach nearby.

On Thursday Phiwokuhle’s uncle Simbongile Mabhulu said they were not ready to give up.

“We have extended the search to other beach communities along the coast.

“We ask communities around the Mgimbe and Lwandile beaches to be on the lookout. This is heartbreaking.”

Mabhulu said the boys were last seen buying cooldrinks from the spaza shop nearby.

“They were apparently going to meet a friend there. The friend raised the alarm because the two were seen struggling in the sea. Police and their divers responded swiftly. They have done their best searching. The community has also been amazing.”

Mabhulu said there had been previous drownings at Mdumbi Beach. “First it was a local child, whose body was later found. The second incident happened when a pupil from a school excursion drowned. We are not sure if his body was ever found.

“Children in communities near the coast need professional advice on the dangers of going to the beach unsupervised. Also there must be swimming training for children and adults.”

Mabhulu said there had been no lifesavers on the beach the day the boys disappeared.

“Lifeguards are posted seasonally, from about November. But people start going to the beach in September.”

Phiwokuhle’s mother Philisiwe Mabhulu, 24, herself a lifeguard, was home at the time.

● Police in Lusikisiki have appealed for help in finding a sixyear-old boy who went missing from his home on October 16.

Nkohli said Oluchuku Wongile Obiat from Madikane in Lusikisiki fell asleep with his family, but the next morning when they woke he was gone.

Anyone with information can contact Captain Sakwe on 083364-6126, Crime Stop on 0860010111 or the nearest police station.