Body of missing Zenande found after nine days search

The SAPS Search and Rescue Team recovered two bodies from a white SUV submerged in the Crocodile River near Kamagugu.

“The deceased are a 20-year-old male and a female whose age is estimated to be between 18 and 23 years,” police said at the time.

The bodies were reportedly found trapped inside a white SUV, and specialised rescue equipment, including the Jaws of Life, had to be used to retrieve them.

The male victim was identified by family, while the female victim was unidentified, but police located a family to assist.

As officers prepared to leave the scene that Sunday, a new fear emerged.

Another family arrived and informed members that their son had reportedly been traveling in the vehicle.

According to the family, he had not returned home, and they have been unable to reach him on his cellphone. They believed he may be the third victim still missing in the river. That son was Zenande Chiloane.

For the next nine days, the SAPS Search and Rescue Unit scoured the river.

“The members from SAPS Search and Rescue Unit have been working tirelessly from the day when the incident was reported,” said Lt-Col Ndubane.

Their persistence paid off when Chiloane’s body was finally located.The discovery brings to an end a gruelling search that gripped Nelspruit and highlighted the dangers of the Crocodile River. All three victims were young – two males in their early 20s and a female believed to be between 18 and 23.

A case of culpable homicide has been opened, and investigations are ongoing.

For the Chiloane family, Tuesday’s recovery brings devastating confirmation but also an end to the uncertainty that followed Zenande’s disappearance.