Despite strong currents and icy water, search and rescue teams continued their efforts to find missing student Zenande Chiloane, who disappeared after the vehicle he was travelling in crashed into the Crocodile River on June 7.

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Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane confirmed that Chiloane’s cellphone was found inside the wreckage.

Members of the Ehlanzeni Diving Unit, assisted by the K9 Unit, searched the riverbanks and conducted dives in the river. Drones were also deployed to assist in the search.

“We covered a search area the size of a rugby field, but unfortunately we did not find him,” said Captain Pottie Potgieter of the diving unit.

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The team plans to continue the search further downstream tomorrow, June 10.

Relatives of Chiloane and members of the Fountain of Life Church Movement gathered along the riverbank, praying and singing for his safe return.

Family spokesperson Thapelo Mogane said they remain hopeful and believe that, through the power of God, Chiloane will be found alive.

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The bodies of the vehicle’s two other occupants, Vigo Godfrey and Tintswalo Khoza, were recovered on June 7 after the vehicle plunged into the river.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation, and a case of culpable homicide has been opened. This is a developing story.

Mpumalanga News will update readers as more info becomes available.