LIMPOPO – The search continues for Lutendo Walter Sitsei, a 33-year-old fisherman from Tshikotoni village near Gumela in the Mutale area.

Sitsei and a friend ventured out for a fishing trip at the Nwanedi-Luphephe dam on June 7.

Since then, villagers from Tshikotoni, Manzhenge, and Gumela have been tirelessly scouring the area in the hope of finding him.

Sitsei’s family is grappling with uncertainty as they await news of his whereabouts. Everlyn Nethononda, Sitsei’s mother-in-law, described the anguish they are experiencing saying life has become unbearable since he disappeared.

“We pray day and night, hoping to find his body for a proper burial.”

Nethononda highlighted Sitsei’s role as a provider for his family, saying his livelihood as a fisherman sustained them.

“Jobs are scarce in our village, but Walter chose an honest living through fishing. His income supported us,” she added.

Acting Vhembe police spokesperson, WO Vuledzani Dathi, confirmed that an inquiry was opened following the incident.

According to Dathi, Sitsei was fishing with a friend using nets and a boat when the tragedy occurred.

“It is alleged that while Sitsei was inspecting their nets from his boat, he informed his friend that the boat was sinking. His friend reported that Sitsei and the boat submerged into the water. Despite an extensive search by the provincial police search and rescue team, Sitsei remains missing.”

Search efforts are ongoing.

As the community rallies together in their search, the hope remains that Sitsei will be found and brought home to his loved ones.