After more than three weeks of relentless searching filled with hope, prayer, and heartbreak, the family of 18-year-old Rikus Kylander has made the painful decision to end the official search for the young man who disappeared while snorkelling in Mozambique.
Rikus, from Krugersdorp in Gauteng, vanished on 18 December while on a matric celebration trip with friends in the coastal town of Ponta do Ouro. What was meant to be a joyful milestone marking the end of his school career turned into a nightmare that has gripped his family, friends, and the broader South African community.
The former Noordheuwel High School matriculant entered the ocean at around 1pm while snorkelling with a group of approximately 12 friends. He never resurfaced. Despite immediate concern and swift efforts to locate him, there was no sign of Rikus in the water or along the shoreline.
Upon being alerted to the incident, Rikus’s parents, Anzél and Donovan Kylander, travelled to Mozambique without delay. His older sister, Clarise, soon joined them. For 22 days, the family remained in the country, clinging to hope as search teams, volunteers, and members of the local community worked tirelessly to find answers.
Search operations included extensive sea and shoreline patrols, with the support of volunteers who dedicated their time, resources, and expertise. The family also received assistance from individuals and organisations across borders, all united by the hope of bringing Rikus home.
On Friday afternoon, Clarise delivered a deeply emotional public statement confirming that the family had made the heart-wrenching decision to call off the search.
“Everything that could be done has been done,” she said, her words reflecting the exhaustion and sorrow that have defined the past weeks.
Clarise expressed profound gratitude for the overwhelming support shown to the family during this devastating period. She thanked everyone who offered prayers, messages of encouragement, and practical assistance, saying their compassion had carried the family through an unimaginable ordeal.
“We are deeply grateful to every single person who has walked alongside us during this unimaginable time,” she said. “Your prayers, efforts, messages, and acts of kindness have meant more than words can ever express.”
While the active search has been halted, Clarise noted that volunteers and members of the local community in Mozambique will continue to remain vigilant. She added that a national park in KwaZulu-Natal has also committed to staying watchful, should any information or developments arise in the future.
As the family begins the long process of grieving, they have asked for privacy, understanding, and compassion.
“We kindly ask for your understanding and compassion as we take some time and space to grieve and be together as a family,” Clarise said. “Thank you for holding us in your hearts and prayers.”
Rikus Kylander’s disappearance has left a profound void in the lives of those who knew and loved him. Though he may not be coming home, his memory and the unity shown during the search will remain etched in the hearts of many who followed his story.
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