Residents from Kalkfontein in Kuilsriver are searching for a man who went missing after he was wiped by strong water currents on Thursday 18 July 2024 in morning. Theodore Sylvester (31) was with his friend when the incident happened.
According to the family, Theodore was coming from the Highbury heading home to Kalkfontein when the incident happened. The friend that he was with told the family that they were running, and Theodore was wiped away by the water since the canal was flooding.
Several residents gathered at Old Nooiensfontein Road bridge to search after his jacket and one of his flops was found at the bridge.
“We are heartbroken, we just hope to find his body. We are not happy that the police called of the search when his body has not been found,” said the heartbroken mother, Charlotte Brinkhuis.
Resident apostle Adrian Meyer said the cops have done a shady job from the time they arrived to search for the first time. “Why didn’t they bring sniffer dogs, all they gave us where excuses saying the water levels are high. We are not happy that SAPS called off the search without doing enough. As residents, we have been here with the family and we will do everything to find Theodore,” said Meyer.
Meyer said police didn’t take the man who was with Theodore for questioning. He said nobody knows what happened except the person who last saw him and cops should have questioned him to get more information.
Mayco member for Safety and Security Jean “JP” Smith said they sent the Law Enforcement Marine and Environmental Unit after SAPS called off the search.
“Initial search efforts did not yield any results, and SAPS halted the search. City Services were on scene once again late this afternoon, after requests from the community. Unfortunately, there is no sign yet of the person, and search efforts were called off as it started to get dark,” said Smith on Friday night.
Police spokesman Captain Frederick Van Wyk said the matter is under investigation. “The members contacted search and rescue and SAPS diving unit. SAPS divers attended the scene and was deployed into the canal, but they could not find any body and had to withdraw from the scene due to the water level being too high and the stream being too strong,” said Van Wyk.