The Thejane family from Ikageng in North West believes a skeleton found on the beach in Sardinia Bay, Eastern Cape could be their son, Tshepo.

The remains were found partially buried on 19 December.

Tshepo (20), who was a student at the Nelson Mandela University, went missing at the beach on 23 October.

The students had gone to a Democratic Alliance Student Organisation event.

Tshepo and a 19-year-old student went for a swim. The other student experienced difficulty, but managed to swim to shore. Tshepo disappeared and was never found.

Tshepo’s mother, Tebogo (42) is still struggling to cope.

She said: “According to the information we received, my son was trying to help his friend who was drowning.

“I’ve been having sleepless nights as I always think about him. I was admitted in hospital due to stress.

“I constantly dream of him. The last time I had a dream, he told me he was in the Vaal Dam. I consulted nine izangoma, and three of them told me he is still alive but went for ukuthwasa. The others say he is no more.”

Tshepo’s friend, Thabiso Mazibuko (21) said he was shattered.

“We were supposed to play soccer with Tshepo on that day, but he went to the beach. When I finished playing, I went to join him.

“When I arrived, I was shocked to find emergency officials performing first aid on a woman. I asked where Tshepo was, and was told he had drowned and was missing. I hope the body they found could be his so that the family can get closure,” he said.

Police spokeswoman Colonel Priscilla Naidu confirmed that Walmer police had opened an inquiry.

“The skeleton will be sent for forensic analysis to determine the race, age, and gender as there were no clothes to help with any identification.

“We appeal to anyone who reported a missing or drowned person to contact detective Lieutenant-Colonel Melody Oranje on 082 441 8505.”

-daily sun