VANDERBIJLPARK – The late Thomas Sithole (17), the beloved Hoërskool Driehoek learner who tragically lost his life at the beginning of the year, should have been celebrating his matric farewell with his classmates and preparing for his final examinations.

He would also be celebrating his 18th birthday on Wednesday (October 7).

Instead, eight months after the tragedy that claimed his life, his parents are still searching for answers.

Thomas disappeared on January 9 while on a private boat trip with friends on the Vaal River. His body was recovered three days later, on January 12.

The incident caused much speculation and no facts.

A post-mortem examination completed in February indicated that no foul play was suspected, but it still left his parents with many questions.

Alice and Steve Sithole are determined to uncover the full truth.

They returned to court on September 29, seeking more answers, but the inquest was postponed by the Sasolburg Magistrate’s Office to October 29 to allow them to secure legal representation to push the case forward.

The upcoming inquest will ensure that all evidence surrounding Thomas’s death is formally presented before a magistrate.

Hopefully, these court proceedings will shed light on the tragedy and bring peace to his grieving parents.