The KwaDukuza municipality search and rescue team recovered a body near the Tugela River mouth yesterday, which they believe to be the teenager who was presumed drowned at Zinkwazi main beach earlier this week.

The family of the teen, who disappeared while swimming in the Zinkwazi surf on January 13, has disputed the remains, however.

The North Coast Courier reports DNA testing will now be conducted, and teams will continue their search until the prescribed cut‑off date of January 23.

KwaDukuza lifeguard superintendent Bongani Xulu said that his team located the body after more than five days of consistent searching.

“We began yesterday’s search at 05:00 and recovered a badly decomposed body after 17:00,” said Xulu.

Xulu praised his team’s resilience, noting their exhaustion after a demanding festive season.

Lifeguards worked 14‑hour shifts to safeguard holidaymakers, rescuing nearly 100 swimmers and responding to multiple emergencies.

There was only one reported drowning at Thompson’s Bay on January 2 after a man went swimming with a friend in the early hours of the morning.

Two further drownings have taken place since the end of the peak season, however, including the aforementioned at Zinkwazi and another at Salmon Bay in Ballito, also on January 13.

Xulu commended the lifeguards for their dedication.

“There has been unbelievable commitment from the KDM Search & Rescue team. We strive to bring closure to grieving families. My team kept going after many hours searching, day after day,” he said.

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