The trucking industry is mourning the loss of Tony Govender, owner of KwaZulu-Natal transport company Tony’s Cartage, whose body was recovered from Hazelmere Dam on Tuesday following a five-day search operation.
Govender, 54, reportedly disappeared on Friday while spending the day at the popular dam near Verulam with a group of friends.
According to information released by Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), Govender had been taken to the dam as part of a birthday celebration after turning 54 on 25 May.
It is alleged that during the outing, a jet ski drifted away due to strong winds. Govender reportedly entered the water in an attempt to retrieve it but failed to return to shore, prompting an emergency response.
Search and rescue teams were immediately mobilised, with members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Metro Police Search and Rescue Units and RUSA participating in efforts to locate him.
RUSA spokesperson Prem Balram said a helicopter was initially deployed as part of a rescue operation before authorities established that Govender had drowned.
“RUSA initially deployed a helicopter in a rescue attempt before it could be established that Govender had drowned. On request of the family, the helicopter was again despatched to conduct a low search on Saturday afternoon,” said Balram.
Read | Derick Reinhardt, Founder of Reinhardt Transport Group, Dies at 73
The search continued throughout the weekend and into the new week as family members remained at the dam, hoping for answers.
After five days of searching, rescue teams successfully recovered Govender’s body from the water on Tuesday morning.
Govender was well known in transport circles as the owner of Tony’s Cartage, a trucking company operating in KwaZulu-Natal. He was also a former Navy officer and a father of two.
The incident has sent shockwaves through both the local business and transport communities, where Govender was known by colleagues, customers and employees.
The thoughts of the trucking community remain with Govender’s family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.
The latest SA Trucking News straight to your inbox!
