The skipper of the boat from which 17-year-old Thomas Sithole went missing in the Vaal River issued a press statement late yesterday. Sithole is believed to have drowned.

The statement, released through his attorney, was issued in response to what were described as false and inaccurate allegations circulating on social media. The skipper’s identity is known to Vaalweekblad.

It conveyed condolences to Sithole’s family and friends on behalf of the skipper, his family and the law firm, noting their shared ties to the Vaal Triangle community.

Timeline of events

According to the statement, Thomas was with a group of friends and the skipper on Friday. They boarded the boat at around 13:00 for a leisure outing.

It was stated that all required safety protocols for inland watercraft were followed and that the skipper was licensed, qualified and experienced.

At approximately 16:30, the group arrived at a well-known restaurant along the Vaal River, where Thomas and the other passengers disembarked to buy food. The skipper remained on the boat. A jet-ski, operated by another skipper and carrying a passenger, accompanied the craft.

At about 17:35, the passengers, including Thomas, returned. Two people then left on the jet-ski, while the remaining passengers boarded the boat, which departed for the original launch site so both craft could be removed from the water.

Search launched

While en route, a female passenger requested to change places with one of the jet-ski passengers. Both craft stopped to allow the exchange.

Shortly after, a passenger informed the skipper that Thomas was no longer on board. A headcount was immediately conducted, confirming that he was missing.

None of the passengers saw Thomas disembark, and he was last seen seated at the back of the 6.4m (21-foot) boat.

An immediate search was conducted in the area where the exchange took place, as well as along the shoreline. After confirming Thomas was not on shore, the skipper contacted the SAPS water wing within 25 minutes of realising he was no longer on the boat.

The incident was formally reported at the Vanderbijlpark SAPS. According to the statement, while police were interviewing the skipper, the mother of one of the passengers attempted to contact Thomas’s parents, who were only reached later that evening.

Family informed, and investigation continues

The skipper and other passengers returned to the scene on Saturday, where they conveyed their condolences to Thomas’s parents and provided full statements to the police.

According to the statement, a body believed to be Thomas’s was recovered from the Vaal River yesterday. The skipper’s attorney urged the public to refrain from making uninformed comments on social media, stating that speculation hinders both the investigation and the grieving process.

It was added that Thomas was house friends with the skipper and his family, and that his disappearance and death are traumatic for both families. The skipper has committed to full co-operation with the police and the South African Maritime Safety Authority.

Body recovered from Vaal River

Sedibeng Ster reports that a hysterical cry filled the air as Thomas’s body was placed into a pathology van after it was recovered.

According to the family, police divers were still searching the river when Thomas’s body floated downstream to the area where relatives had been camped for two days.

Family members were allowed to view the body and, according to Thomas’s cousin, Katleho Motseki, there appeared to be a wound on the back of his head.

His family claims they were only informed the day after Thomas went missing, when a friend of his older sister made contact.

During the search for Thomas, dozens of relatives and friends gathered at the riverbank as police units combed the area.

Family struggles to come to terms with loss

Speaking to the media, Motseki said the family is battling to come to terms with what happened.

“The family is more than devastated. While we gathered on the riverbank, we saw his body floating downstream while divers were busy searching for him. It was as if he waited for his family to fetch him,” she said.

Thomas’s sister, Victoria, described him as a caring person who supported those around him.

“He was always calm and collected. He always told me to chill when I shared my problems with him,” she said.

“He had a lot of dreams. I still can’t believe that he is gone.”

The Sithole family said they are seeking justice and answers regarding the circumstances surrounding his death.

Family friend Anke van der Schyff described Thomas as a lively and warm-hearted young person.

“He was a good kid with a sweet soul. My daughter is heartbroken over Thomas. I will miss how full of life he was. He was a kid with big dreams and hopes.”

At the time of publishing, police had not responded to media enquiries.

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