Search continues for missing Hartbeespoort Dam skipper after 3 weeks

Nearly three weeks after 39-year-old skipper Jan ‘Obakeng’ Mokonyane disappeared beneath the waters of Hartbeespoort Dam, his family is still desperately waiting for answers.

Kormorant reports that Mokonyane went missing on October 25 when the boat he was operating capsized about 1km from shore at around 17:00.

Eight passengers were rescued from the water by people aboard another boat, but Mokonyane disappeared beneath the surface and has not been seen since.

Despite an extensive search involving police divers, rescue boats, drones, helicopters and specialist search dogs, authorities had not located him by yesterday (November 13).

The search has been severely hampered by the enormous quantities of water hyacinth covering the dam, once again highlighting the dangers posed by the invasive aquatic plant.

Hyacinth hampers rescue efforts

According to initial reports from Hartbeespoort Marine Law Enforcement and SRU Maritime Search and Rescue, the boat was carrying nine people, including Mokonyane, when it overturned on October 25.

Arthur Crewe, the head of the Hartbeespoort Marine Law Enforcement Unit, said the skipper reportedly lost control of the vessel before it capsized.

The eight passengers were rescued by a passing boat, but Mokonyane reportedly went underwater and did not resurface.

Emergency services immediately launched a search, continuing until approximately 21:00 that evening before resuming operations the following morning.

The precise circumstances surrounding the accident have not been conclusively established.

North West police subsequently confirmed that a missing-person investigation had been opened.

The search operation has been complicated by some of the worst water hyacinth conditions experienced on Hartbeespoort Dam.

Large, tightly packed mats of the invasive plant have made sections of the dam almost inaccessible to rescue vessels.

The vegetation is constantly shifting with the wind, making it difficult for search teams to maintain access to areas already identified for investigation.

According to Crewe, the water in the area where Mokonyane disappeared is about 25m deep.

Poor underwater visibility, cold conditions at depth and dense floating vegetation have made diving operations particularly challenging.

Police have explained that diving operations cannot safely continue under certain hazardous conditions, including severely contaminated water and extensive aquatic vegetation.

The presence of hyacinth also creates the possibility that objects beneath the floating mats may be difficult to detect.

However, there has been no confirmation of Mokonyane’s whereabouts.

Family appeals for government intervention

As the search entered its third week, Mokonyane’s family appealed to government to provide additional specialist equipment and personnel.

Speaking to SABC News on Wednesday (November 11), family representative Alpheus Mpyatona expressed frustration at the difficulties confronting search teams.

He explained that the thick vegetation was preventing rescuers from reaching certain areas and that more equipment and professional assistance were urgently needed.

For the family, the prolonged uncertainty has become an agonising ordeal.

Every passing day without answers adds to their distress.

The family has also appealed to anyone who witnessed the incident, assisted in rescuing the passengers or has information about what happened to come forward.

Mokonyane was reportedly involved in the events industry through a business known as Lona Fela.

Extensive search operation

The SAPS Water Wing, Hartbeespoort Marine Law Enforcement, SRU Maritime Search and Rescue, private security companies and community volunteers have contributed to the operation.

According to North West police spokesperson Adele Myburgh, the Police Water Wing had spent about 80 hours searching by boat by Wednesday.

The search has also involved helicopters, drones and specialist dogs.

Crewe said aerial surveillance had been used repeatedly to inspect areas where rescue boats could not safely operate.

A possible sighting near the dam wall was investigated by drone, but no trace of Mokonyane was found.

Another extensive search operation was planned for yesterday.

Despite the considerable resources already deployed, the latest available reports indicate that the search had not yet produced a breakthrough.

Growing safety concerns on the dam

Mokonyane’s disappearance has intensified concerns about boating safety on Hartbeespoort Dam.

The hyacinth infestation has become far more than an environmental or tourism problem.

Dense floating vegetation can obstruct propellers, cause engines to overheat and trap boats in areas that were previously navigable.

In a separate incident during last weekend, rescue teams struggled for hours to reach boaters stranded in thick hyacinth. One skipper was forced to remain on the dam overnight before rescuers could reach him.

The incidents have raised questions about emergency access, boating preparedness and the resources available to respond to accidents.

Authorities have urged boat owners and passengers to wear life jackets, ensure that their vessels are properly equipped, avoid excessive alcohol consumption and check conditions before launching.

Crewe has also stressed the importance of planning boating trips carefully and carrying charged mobile phones to enable stranded boaters to communicate their locations.

Community waits for answers

For Hartbeespoort residents, the continuing search is a painful reminder of how quickly a recreational outing can turn into a tragedy.

The efforts of police, emergency personnel, private organisations and volunteers have demonstrated the determination of those involved to find the missing skipper.

But for Mokonyane’s family, the most important question remains unanswered.

As the search continues, his loved ones are appealing for assistance and information that could help bring an end to their uncertainty.

Anyone with credible information about the incident on October 25 is urged to contact the SAPS.

Members of the public are also asked to respect the family’s privacy and refrain from spreading unverified information about Mokonyane’s disappearance.

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