The body of uMhlanga businessman and former navy officer Tony Govender was recovered from Hazelmere Dam on Tuesday, 2 June, following an extensive five-day search operation.
Govender had been celebrating his 54th birthday with family and friends at the dam on Friday, 29 May, when tragedy struck. He was reported missing after entering the water and failing to resurface.
For five agonising days, his family maintained a vigil at the edge of the dam, awaiting news from search and rescue teams before his body was finally recovered.
Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), the South African Police Service (SAPS), Metro Police and other emergency responders launched a large-scale search operation shortly after the incident occurred.
RUSA spokesperson Prem Balram said initial reports indicated that strong winds had caused a jet ski to drift away from shore.
“According to information received, the victim was celebrating his 54th birthday with friends. Strong winds caused a jet ski to drift away. Govender entered the water to retrieve it, but went beneath the surface and failed to resurface,” said Balram.
The RUSA helicopter, ZS-HXM, was dispatched shortly after the incident to conduct an aerial search. However, severe weather conditions hampered rescue efforts.
“Heavy winds, rain and poor visibility forced the pilot to abort the aerial search,” said Balram.
After several hours of searching, operations were suspended for the evening without locating Govender.
Search efforts resumed over the following days, with SAPS and Metro Police search and rescue teams deploying divers and specialised search dogs. RUSA’s helicopter crew remained on standby and conducted additional aerial searches at the request of the family.
“On the request of the family, the helicopter was again dispatched to conduct a low-level search on Saturday, 30 May,” Balram added.
Throughout the ordeal, Govender’s wife, children and extended family remained at the scene as search teams continued their efforts.
Family and friends described Govender as a self-made businessman, devoted husband and loving father of two.
While Hazelmere Dam remains a popular recreational destination, drowning incidents have occurred in the area in recent years.
In January 2023, a seven-year-old boy was presumed drowned while swimming in a river feeding into the dam. Search operations involving RUSA and KwaZulu-Natal Search and Rescue teams were launched following the incident.
In August 2021, 30-year-old free-diving and scuba instructor Stefan Sonnthal lost his life after falling into the water during a boating incident at the dam. His body was recovered the following day by diving units.
Authorities have extended their condolences to Govender’s family and loved ones following the recovery.
