THE boy who drowned in Umgababa’s Umnini Beach recently will finally be laid to rest after a tussle over his remains was settled through DNA testing.

Also read: Another drowning at Umgababa’s non-swimming beach

Lethukuthula Gumede (14) drowned while rescuing a friend who was being swept away by a strong current on January 19. The friend survived but Lethukuthula could not make it back to shore. His mutilated body was recovered three days later but as his family prepared for burial, another family claimed the body as that of their 15-year-old son who drowned at the same beach in November 2024.

The beach is not designated for swimming and there are no lifeguards present.

In a public statement, Lethukuthula’s family said through contributions by members of the community, DNA testing that was carried out confirmed that the remains were those of Lethukuthula.

The funeral will be held at his home on February 4, from 09:00 to 12:00.

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