Exactly two weeks after 18-year-old Rikus Kylander disappeared beneath the water while snorkelling in Mozambique, his family says they are holding onto hope and praying relentlessly for his safe return.
Rikus, a former Noordheuwel High School matric pupil from Krugersdorp, went missing on 18 December while holidaying in Mozambique with a group of friends to celebrate the end of his school years.
His sister, Clarise Kylander (24), said the ordeal has left the family devastated but determined not to give up.
“We are holding onto hope and continue to beg God for a miracle to bring Rikus home safely,” she said.
Family remains in Mozambique as search continues
According to IOL news outlet, Clarise confirmed that she, along with her parents Anzél and Donovan Kylander, remains in Mozambique, actively participating in search efforts and coordinating with rescue teams.
The family travelled from Gauteng shortly after Rikus went missing and has stayed on despite the emotional toll.
“We have no words during this difficult time,” Clarise said.
“Our hearts are absolutely shattered, as one can imagine.”
Disappearance during snorkelling trip
Rikus was part of a group of around 12 friends who had arrived in Mozambique just two days before the incident.
According to the family, the group went snorkelling at about 1pm and later surfaced at the same point. It was only then that they realised Rikus was missing.
Police and lifeguards were contacted immediately, triggering a large-scale search operation.
At the time of his disappearance, Rikus was wearing navy blue swimming shorts and snorkelling goggles.
Search operations ongoing along coastline
Renegades Search & Rescue spokesperson Dawn Gounden confirmed that search efforts are still underway, involving multiple agencies and communities.
“Police search and rescue teams remain actively deployed from Kosi Bay to Black Rock, including surrounding areas,” Gounden said.
She added that beach patrols continue daily, while drone and sea searches will resume once weather and ocean conditions allow.
“We thank the Mozambique, Kosi Bay, and Sodwana Bay communities for their ongoing support and vigilance,” she said.
Community support and fundraising
The Kylander family has received an outpouring of support from South Africans and the wider community, both emotionally and financially.
More than R210,000 has already been raised through a BackaBuddy fundraising campaign to assist with ongoing search efforts.
Clarise expressed deep gratitude for the support.
“We are deeply thankful to the community and to our friends and family for the amazing support, prayers and messages,” she said.
“Please don’t stop praying for my brother and for us.”
Appeal for information
The family continues to appeal to anyone who may have information that could assist in locating Rikus.
Clarise can be contacted directly on 082 659 0238.
As search teams press on and the family waits anxiously, hope remains the one constant keeping them going — a hope they say they are not prepared to let go of.
