Rikus Kylander will not be coming home.
The 18‑year‑old from Krugersdorp, Gauteng, disappeared while snorkelling on a matric trip in Mozambique, and after 22 days of desperate searching, his family has made the heart‑wrenching decision to call it off.
“Everything that could be done has been done,” his older sister, Clarise, said in a tearful public statement on Friday afternoon.
Rikus, who had been in matric at Noordheuwel High last year, had been celebrating the end of his school years with friends when he went into the sea around 1pm on December 18 and never came back up.
The group of about 12 had travelled to Ponta do Ouro, a coastal town in Mozambique, arriving just two days before the incident to enjoy the holiday together.
His parents, Anzél and Donovan, were alerted and immediately made their way to the neighbouring country. Clarise joined them.
They remained there all this time, searching day in and day out.
Clarise said the family was overwhelmed by the support they had received.
“We are deeply grateful to every single person who has walked alongside us during this unimaginable time — your prayers, efforts, messages, and acts of kindness have meant more than words can ever express,” she said.
Now, they ask for understanding and compassion as they take time and space to grieve.
“We kindly ask for your understanding and compassion as we take some time and space to grieve and be together as a family,” she said.
“Thank you for holding us in your hearts and prayers.”
She said the local community and volunteers in Mozambique will continue to remain watchful.
A national park in KwaZulu-Natal has apparently also committed to remaining vigilant, she said.
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