A 35-year-old Johannesburg woman who had been reported missing has drowned on a beach south of Durban, leaving her family devastated.
Locals found Janine Chetty’s body at Illovo Beach.
Dawn Gounden of Renegades Search and Rescue said Chetty was visiting Durban from Gauteng.
Gounden stated her body was discovered on September 21, 2024. She died as a result of drowning.
“At the time community members had tried to ascertain information of her identity assuming she was from Durban,” Gounden described the incident.
“A week later after her family filed a missing persons report they contacted VCSI (Vulnerable Citizens Support Initiative) missing persons organisation.”
Gounden stated that Chetty’s photograph was extensively distributed in an attempt to locate her.
“Renegades Search and Rescue who was requested by the team to assist, had linked Janine to the person located on the beach,” Gounden informed me.
“Her family was notified and thereafter proceeded to Durban to identify her.”
Speaking on behalf of the family, Gounden stated that Chetty’s family characterized her as a wonderful person who touched many people’s lives.
“Her family is experiencing an immense loss and is devastated by the circumstances of her death,” according to Gounden.
“They thanked all those involved in the search for her to help bring closure to the family.”
According to Gouden, Chetty’s family believes that her love of travel and kind-hearted nature will leave a lasting impact.
Colonel Robert Netshiunda, a KZN police spokesperson, stated that Amanzimtoti police are investigating an inquest docket following an incident in which a woman was discovered dead on Illovu beach in Amanzimtoti on September 21, 2024.
“The circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated.”
