Eastern Cape police have confirmed the recovery of the body of a missing Rhodes student from the Kowie River in Port Alfred. The discovery comes several days after the student was reported missing, prompting an extensive search operation in the coastal town.
The missing Rhodes student, who has not been publicly named, was last seen on Friday, 5 July. His disappearance triggered widespread concern in both the Port Alfred and Makhanda (Grahamstown) communities, where Rhodes University is based.
According to SAPS spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu, a member of the public discovered the body in the water on Sunday morning, 7 July. “A post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death,” she said.
Police Open Inquest Docket
While foul play has not been confirmed, authorities have opened an inquest docket as investigations continue. At this stage, the student’s identity has been confirmed by family members, who are receiving support from the university and local authorities.
Rhodes University spokesperson Veliswa Mhlope said, “We are devastated by this tragic loss. The university is offering counselling services to students and staff affected by the news of the missing Rhodes student.”
Community Shocked by Tragedy
The case of the missing Rhodes student has drawn national attention and reignited concerns about student safety and support. Social media was flooded with messages of concern and solidarity during the search, with #FindRhodesStudent trending over the weekend.
Local residents, campus groups, and student organisations have expressed sorrow over the outcome and called for more safety awareness campaigns in off-campus areas.
Next Steps and Ongoing Support
Authorities are expected to release post-mortem results later this week, which may clarify the circumstances leading to the student’s death. In the meantime, Rhodes University has urged students to seek emotional support through its wellness office.
The discovery of the Rhodes student’s body marks a sombre moment in the ongoing case of the missing Rhodes student for the university and the broader Eastern Cape community. More updates will follow as the investigation progresses.
