The search for missing 21-year-old Sbonga Manyoni, who had been missing since August 2024, tragically came to an end on 7 February when his decomposed body was found at a government mortuary. Sbonga, originally from Pietermaritzburg and based in Cape Town, had disappeared after leaving campus on 20 August. It was later believed that he had drowned at Clifton Beach in Camps Bay, with his body washed ashore and discovered by a jogger.
For months, the family was left in limbo, unsure of his fate. His body had been kept at the mortuary as an unidentified person, with authorities struggling to locate his relatives. Sbonga’s brother, Mpumelelo Mhlongo, shared the family’s painful journey, saying, “Although we found him dead, it’s better than not knowing his whereabouts.” The emotional toll of the search had been immense, with Mpumelelo even driving through the night on several occasions, hoping to find his brother.
The breakthrough came on 7 February when a Facebook post with the Manyoni surname caught their attention. After confirming the details with their mother, the family learned that it was indeed Sbonga. Fingerprints were used to officially confirm his identity by 12 February, bringing both relief and sadness to the family. “At least now we know, and we can bury him,” Mpumelelo said.
Though the discovery was heartbreaking, the family is now focused on giving Sbonga a dignified burial. “We’re preparing to bring him home for burial,” Mpumelelo added, expressing their gratitude for finally being able to lay their loved one to rest. The tragic end of the search provides closure, but the emotional scars will remain as they remember Sbonga’s life.
