GEORGE NEWS - The extensive search for Werner Finger (20), the missing NMMU student, continues after the bakkie he was a passenger in drove off a cliff and crashed into the sea at Voëlklip, Herold's Bay, last weekend.
The bodies of his two friends, Luandro Jansen (21) and MarNic Els (20), also from George, were recovered from the wreckage by Metro rescue workers on Monday. Luandro, the driver, and MarNic, his front passenger, were found inside the cabin. They still had their safety belts on.
It is believed that Werner, who was sitting in the back, was flung from the vehicle when the back door was ripped off as the bakkie hit the water. The friends were at the look-out point at Voëlklip on Saturday night. Police are still patrolling local beaches in search of Werner and friends and family members have also joined the search effort. In a statement released by Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), NMMU George Campus Principal Prof Quinton Johnson said they are saddened by the tragedy.
"Our Madibaz family is traumatised by the tragic accident involving a number of young men, some of whom had ties with NMMU in a sport and/or academic context. We direct our thoughts and prayers towards staff, students, family members, friends and all affected by this tragedy," said Prof Johnson.
The university has made counselling services available on campus to assist staff and students in need of support.
A memorial service for MarNic will be held today (Friday 20 November) at the Dutch Reformed Mother Church. He is survived by his parents, Chris and Carlize; and younger sister, Beaulize (17).
Luandro Jansen's funeral and Werner Finger's memorial will be held at Hope Church on Saturday 21 November at 15:00.
Jansen is survived by his father Pieter; mother Ria and younger brother Janré.
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