They refused to let the river keep him.

For 60 days, members of the Ehlanzeni Police Diving Unit navigated some of Mpumalanga’s most rugged and remote terrain in search of 22-year-old Agreement Hove – a young man who disappeared beneath the waters of the Blyde River near Bourke’s Luck in mid-April.

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Hove vanished on the same day that three-year-old Aqhama Mnconywa went missing in the Crocodile River near Schagen. For families and first responders alike, it was a harrowing day that launched two separate and extensive search operations in different river systems.

While the rescue efforts for Aqhama continued further south, police divers turned their attention north to the Blyde River Canyon – a region as breathtaking as it is unforgiving.

According to police diver Captain Pottie Potgieter, the team never gave up hope, even as the weeks dragged on.

“We brought in a chopper, scoured remote drop zones and instructed locals to keep an eye out,” he said. “Eventually, after two months, someone spotted him.”

Hove’s body was recovered on Tuesday.

Potgieter described the recovery operation as one of the most physically demanding they’ve faced.
“It was in a very inaccessible area. We had to be dropped off by helicopter, then hike a long distance through thick bush just to reach the riverbank,” he said.

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Despite the difficult terrain and the passage of time, the diving team remained committed to bringing Hove home. One factor that worked in their favour, Potgieter added, was the season.

“Crocodiles aren’t as active in winter because their metabolism slows. That gave us a better chance of finding the body intact.”

It is believed that Hove was attempting to cross the river on April 14 with three others while allegedly smuggling khat – also known as “Bushman’s tea” – into the reserve. The river, swollen by autumn rains and known for its dangerous currents, proved fatal.