KZN transport department probes discovery of Durban pilot's body

DURBAN - The KwaZulu-Natal transport department has assigned a team to work closely with the South African Police Service and other authorities to probe the discovery of a body believed to be that of a missing pilot.

The body thought to be that of South African Airways and aerobatic pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray washed up on a Durban beach yesterday.

The discovery follows a crash last month-- when a ZS-AEC Extra 300 aircraft went down during a final aerial display near Durban's North Beach.

The transport department says it received information of the discovery from Imbokodo FM station manager, Sandile Ngema, on Saturday morning.

In a statement, the department expressed its hope that the discovery of the body will bring closure to the family.

The department says MMC Siboniso Duma will be liaising with the mayor of eThekwini, Cyril Xaba, and the minister of transport, Barbara Creecy, to discuss the matter.

Spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya says various teams have worked tirelessly on the search for the pilot.

“Importantly, we sincerely hope that the discovery of the body of Mr Andrew Blackwood-Murray will assist his family and the whole family to find closure.” Sibiya said.

The department has also commended the National Sea Rescue Institute, the South African Police Service, and other agencies for their persistent and challenging multi-agency search efforts.