More than a week after a vehicle carrying Zenande Chiloane, Vigo Godfrey and Tintswalo Khoza plunged into the Crocodile River, near Mbombela in Mpumalanga, police are still searching for Chiloane.

Lowvelder reports that the bodies of Godfrey and Khoza were recovered on the day of the crash on June 7. Their memorial services were held on Saturday (June 13).

Volunteers have joined the search and are working with the Ehlanzeni Diving Unit, searching on foot.

“The terrain is extremely difficult because we have to search through dense bush and around many islands,” says unit Captain Pottie Potgieter.

He adds that although drones have been helpful, they are unable to navigate dense areas effectively, which has delayed the operation.

The search is continuing near Karino Bridge.

“We have also encountered several hippos and crocodiles, which makes diving operations difficult,” Potgieter says.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation, and a case of culpable homicide has been opened.

The students were travelling from a local restaurant when their vehicle plunged into the river.

Lowvelder will continue to update readers as more information becomes available.

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