“Erwin is not just a name to us; he is our son, grandson, nephew, cousin, and cherished family member” – Family
More than 20 days have passed since the tragic drowning of 15-year-old Erwin Bezuidenhoudt at the Platz Am Meer Mall vicinity in Swakopmund on 2 July 2026 and the search for his body is still ongoing.
Mr Sean Naudé from the Namibian Marshall Rangers, who was the first responder on the fateful day was adamant from day one that the deceased’s body is trapped between the rocks at the breakwater wall. However, Namibian Navy divers, as well as members of the Namibian police seems to disagree with this assumption.
The assistance of an excavator was acquired last Tuesday, 14 July 2026 to remove some of the rocks in order to eliminate the option whether the victim’s body is trapped under the rocks or not. However, this effort was brought to an abrupt halt when Oryx Properties Limited, who oversees the Platz Am Meer Mall, aired concerns regarding procedures which were apparently not executed properly. During a stakeholder meeting, ordered by the Erongo police commander, Commissioner Nikolaus Kupembona, the Platz Am Meer centre manager, Hesti Langeveldt noted that no permission from their side was granted for the excavation of the area in question, but emphasised that Oryx Properties is committed in assisting the search mission (an official statement by Oryx Properties Limited is awaited). Property owners adjacent to the mall also voiced concerns regarding the fact that nearby properties might be flooded should the breakwater wall be damaged or break and wanted to know who will take responsibility in case of such a scenario. They however pledged their full cooperation and assistance in every way to ensure that the boy’s body is found. Commissioner Kupembona requested that safety protocols be adhered to at all times and warned that stakeholders busy with the search mission to not act on their own but operate under guidance and regulations in place. He also noted that he will not tolerate false information regarding the search mission to be circulated on social media, as misleading information can be dangerous.
A breakthrough came this past weekend on Sunday, when one of the Namibian Marshall Rangers’ crew members discovered a pair of pants floating on the water, about 800 metres North of Platz Am Meer. The pants were later positively identified by 15-year-old Erwin’s father. “The fact that the pants were discovered inside-out, confirms my suspicion that the victim is stuck between the rocks at the breakwater wall, because this clearly shows that it was sucked from his body,” Naudé noted.
Meanwhile, an online petition was launched on social media this week wherewith the drowning victim’s family is urging for government authorisation to temporarily remove some of the rocks from the man-made rock structure at the Platz Am Meer vicinity marina, where the young boy’s body is supposedly stuck. “We are pleading our GOVERNMENT for the chance to bring Erwin home and give him the dignity of a proper farewell, a closure that every family deserves in times of such devastating loss. This is a vital action for our peace of mind, knowing that every possible measure has been taken in the search for Erwin,” the petition reads. The petition was signed by more than 2 000 people by yesterday (Thursday, 23 July 2026). During a telephonic conversation, yesterday, Erwin’s mother, Julencia Uises remarked that family and friends are busy planning a peaceful march to try and convince government officials to adhere to their plea, as they did not receive any feedback from the relevant authorities yet.
By Marshallino Beukes
