Body of missing Rhodes University student recovered in Port Alfred
Search concludes with recovery of student’s body at East Beach.
Image: FILE
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has confirmed that the body of a male student was recovered at approximately 1am on Saturday in Port Alfred.
While the body is believed to be that of 22-year-old Fulufhelo 'Lekay' Munzhelele, from Musina in Limpopo, formal identification is still pending.
Munzhelele, who was living in Makhanda while studying at Rhodes University, went missing in the early hours of Friday after entering the surf at East Beach.
"It appears that three friends, two males and a female, Rhodes University students, had gone swimming at East Beach when all three may have been caught in rip currents," said the NSRI.
"One man and the female were reportedly able to swim to safety, they were not injured, and one male, age 22 went missing."
The NSRI, in conjunction with SAPS, Multi Security, Police K9 Search and Rescue, and SAPS Water Policing and Diving Services, launched an extensive search operation on land, at sea, and along the shoreline.
The body recovered has been taken into the care of Police and Government Health Forensic Pathology Services for formal identification procedures.
"Formal identification of the body, in cooperation with Police and Government Health Forensic Pathology Services, are in progress."
Police have also opened an inquest docket to determine the circumstances surrounding the death.
Authorities have expressed condolences to Munzhelele's family and friends during this difficult time, and the two survivors have requested privacy.
IOL News