Drowning heartbreak on father’s birthday

THE body of an eSikhaleni teen who drowned during a school trip in Durban has not been recovered.

On a threshold of adulthood, Lindani Owami Dlamini (18), a Grade 10 pupil at Sibhakuza High School was swallowed by giant waves while swimming in Durban’s South Beach last Friday.

He was part of a class of 40 pupils who were part of a tourism trip to the city.

According to his friends and classmates, Lindani forcefully ran into the deep sea despite being warned by his teachers about the aggressive waves in the ocean.

His close friend Thubelani Mhlongo, told the family moment after Lindani plunged into the surf he lost sight of him.

That was the last time anyone saw him alive.

Thubelani said when the incident happened lifeguards had already left the beach.

When he realised what had happened, he rushed to the school bus to call one of eight educators but no one was available to assist.

He also revealed that when the terrible nightmare was reported at South Beach Central Police Station, authorities said it was too late to conduct search for the missing boy.

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Family seeks closure

A week after the shocking incident, Lindani’s loving father Bhungane Dlamini (58) is grappling to come to terms with the tragic loss.

Making the pain even more deep, Lindani’s life was snuffed out on his father’s birthday.

‘My birthday will always mark the day my son was snatched away from me,’ said Bhungane.

‘I just want my son’s body, to bury him with dignity’

Bhungane recalled the last conversation he had with his son.

‘He wished me a happy birthday and begged me not to braai the meat before he returned.

‘I felt so much joy when he told me how he appreciated me – not knowing it would be our last conversation.

‘We had plans to celebrate together, but while waiting for him I received the call that he had drowned. ‘This is painful because we don’t have his body and the family can’t even start with the grieving process. I just want to see his remains,’

King Cetshwayo District Department of Education director David Chonco confirmed the case was reported to his office and they will be working with the police to conduct a proper investigation.

Chonco encouraged teachers to be more vigilant when supervising children to avoid such incidents.

He also expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family and school.