The family of a boy who was swept away at Blouberg Beach at the weekend say they are holding onto hope.
Tawana Musimurimwa, 14, from Kuils River, was at the beach on Saturday with his 17-year-old brother and 27-year-old uncle.
The uncle was visiting from Johannesburg for the weekend and decided to take the two boys to the beach.
According to another uncle, Llyod Madhinha, Tawana was in the water with the two and was not even deep in the water.
“His uncle and brother were even deeper than what he was. But a strong current came and swept him away. The uncle, his brother and other onlookers tried to help, but the current was too quick and strong. The family is devastated and his parents and other siblings are still in shock,” said Mr Madhinha.
Tawana was born in Zimbabwe and his family moved to Cape Town when he was just 8 months old. He is the second eldest of four boys.
According to Mr Madhinha, Tawana is a Grade 9 pupil at Parow High School and is a very good rugby player.
“He loved his rugby and always wanted to do good and enter tournaments. If there is even a small chance that he is found alive, we will take it,” he said.
A family member was sent out to Blouberg Beach on Monday morning to monitor the situation.
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Melkbosstrand crew responded to the incident on Saturday at 6.20pm.
NSRI Melkbosstrand station commander, Peter O’Hanlon, said they had launched a rescue operation with the City’s Fire and Rescue Service, the SAPS diving unit and other services.
“A police dive unit is continuing in ongoing search efforts, supported by NSRI, City of Cape Town lifeguards and Law Enforcement,” he said.
Provincial police spokeswoman, Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana, said the search for the boy was still ongoing.
NSRI spokesman, Craig Lambinon, said that as of Monday morning there had not been any changes to the search.
Mr Madhinha said the whole family were in Kuils River supporting one another.
“We are all praying that we hear something soon, and I hope we can find him alive. Right now, we are just waiting for any new developments.”