Tomorrow the family of 13-year-old Amaan Khan will conduct a prayer at the Umzumbe Beach in Hibberdene bringing an end to their almost month-long search to find him.

"We start fasting for Ramadaan on Sunday. Tomorrow, we will go to Hibberdene and conduct a prayer for Amaan. Thereafter, we will leave it to the will of our God," said Amaan's dad, Saleem Adam

"In saying that, we still appeal to the public and local fishermen to keep a watch for Amaan’s body. If you come across anything, please inform us."

Amaan and his uncle, Asif Khan, 36, a metro police officer, drowned on January 31.

Asif drowned while trying to save Amaan in a rip current. While Asif's body was pulled to shore, Amaan could not be found.

Divers, drone operators and volunteer search and rescue organisations have worked relentlessly in an effort to find the teen but their search was hampered this week by the storm

Adam said he also visited morgues on the south coast, hoping his son's body would be found following the heavy rains "but we did not find anything".

Dawn Gounden, from Renegades Search and Rescue, said the past 25 days have been an emotionally challenging and exhausting experience for Amaan's loved ones.

“We have felt their pain and have rendered as much assistance as we could. Aerial searches, drone operations, sea searches, and ground efforts have been diligently conducted in the hope of recovering Amaan’s body. Regrettably, these endeavors have led to unfruitful outcomes.

"We will continue our prayers for the family, wishing them strength during this time of sorrow. We express our gratitude to everyone who offered sincere prayers, support, love, and concern for the family, as well as for Rudie du Toit, Tyrone Leech, and me."

She said they would continue to keep Amaan's family in their thoughts and prayers.

"We hope they find the closure they seek."

Saleem Adam can be contacted on 082 979 6639.

THE POST

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