Four months after drowning in the Ngwempisi River, the body of 37-year-old Sabelo Mkhaliphi has been recovered. Mkhaliphi was swept away alongside a car while attempting to cross the overflowing river with friends.
Authorities and Community Collaborate in Recovery Effort
Chief Police Information and Communications Officer, Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati, confirmed that Mkhaliphi’s body was found on Friday at around 9 a.m. The search involved divers from the Royal Eswatini Police Service, the Eswatini National Fire and Emergency Rescue Services, and community members from Velezizweni, who had been looking for Mkhaliphi since April.
Details of the Incident: Vehicle Swept Away, Driver Found Dead
Mkhaliphi disappeared after the car they were travelling in was swept away by the river’s strong current. The driver, believed to be a taxi driver hired to take the men home, was found dead on the same day of the incident.
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Survivor Shares His Story Amid Threats and Pain
One survivor, Mark Hlatjwako, raised the alarm and recounted the events. He said the group had been returning from Mankayane town after consuming alcohol. Mkhaliphi vanished with the car, which was recovered last month in the same river.
Family and Survivor React to the Recovery
Mkhaliphi’s mother, Elizabeth Mkhaliphi, expressed relief at the recovery and said the family will meet soon to decide on next steps. Hlatjwako thanked God for answering his prayers, sharing that he had faced disbelief and threats, forcing him to leave home for safety.
Hlatjwako said, “My family and friends called to inform me about the discovery. No one believed me at the time, but I was telling the truth. I hold no grudges against his family and I understand their position. People will always talk, but what matters to me is that the truth has been revealed.”
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