Eighteen-year-old Rikus Kylander from Krugersdorp, Gauteng, remains missing after he disappeared while on holiday in Ponta Do Ouro, Mozambique, on Thursday, 18 December 2025. Kylander was last seen after entering the ocean with about 12 friends to snorkel at approximately 13:00.

More than eight months after his disappearance, his family is renewing its appeal for information as efforts to establish what happened to the teenager continue. Despite a large-scale search, no trace of Rikus has been found.

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What Happened to Rikus Kylander in Ponta Do Ouro

According to information provided by Rikus Kylander’s family, he was holidaying in Ponta Do Ouro with approximately 12 friends when the group entered the ocean to snorkel on 18 December 2025.

The group went into the water at around 13:00. While the other members of the group returned safely, Rikus could not be found.

His disappearance prompted a sustained search operation in an effort to locate him. The family has now confirmed that, despite the large-scale search efforts, there has been no confirmed trace of the teenager.

Rikus was 18 years old when he went missing. His date of birth is 28 August 2007, and he is from Krugersdorp in Gauteng, South Africa.

The circumstances have left his family without answers, and they are continuing to appeal to anyone who may have information that could assist with locating him or establishing what happened after he entered the ocean.

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Rikus Kylander Missing Person Details and Description

Rikus Kylander is described as having an average build, medium height and brown hair.

According to the latest information supplied by his family, he was wearing a swimsuit at the time of his disappearance.

His last known location was Ponta Do Ouro beach in Mozambique. The family has previously appealed for members of the public, including people familiar with the coastline, to remain alert for any information that could assist the search.

The family is particularly concerned about information from people who may have been in the area around the time Rikus disappeared. Boaters, fishermen and coastal residents may also be able to provide information that could assist investigators in tracing his movements.

Because the disappearance occurred in Mozambique while Rikus was on holiday, information from people who were in Ponta Do Ouro or nearby coastal areas at the time could be important to the ongoing enquiry.

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Missing Person Investigation and Case Details

The family has provided details of both the missing-person enquiry in South Africa and the police case opened in Mozambique.

A case was registered at Esquadra Police Station in Ponta Do Ouro, Mozambique, under case number 331/1/2025.

The family has also provided a reference for a Lyttelton Missing Person Enquiry, Case 5/12/2025.

Anyone with information or possible leads can contact Lt Col MJJ Smit on 079 888 9516.

Rikus’s father, Donovan Kylander, who is from Krugersdorp, can also be contacted on 082 326 4693 regarding information about his son.

The family is asking people not to dismiss information simply because it may appear insignificant. Any credible lead concerning Rikus’s whereabouts or events surrounding his disappearance can be passed on to the relevant contacts.

The family has also previously provided Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) as a contact for assistance on 086 1234 333.

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Family Renews Appeal for Information on Rikus Kylander

The renewed appeal comes as the search for answers continues. Rikus’s family remains hopeful that information from members of the public could help establish his whereabouts.

People who travelled to Ponta Do Ouro around December 2025, were present along the coastline, or may have witnessed events surrounding the snorkeling trip are urged to consider whether they have any information that could assist.

The family is asking the public to share Rikus’s photograph and missing-person details so that the appeal can reach a wider audience in South Africa and Mozambique.

Rikus Kylander remains missing, and his family continues to seek information that could help bring clarity to his disappearance. Anyone with information is urged to contact Donovan Kylander on 082 326 4693 or Lt Col MJJ Smit on 079 888 9516.

Readers can follow Missing Person South Africa for further developments and updates on the case.

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