The Pyper Cherokee aircraft that went missing on Sunday has been found. However, the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) has confirmed that all three passengers aboard, were found dead. The aircraft, which left the Virginia Airport at around 3pm on the day was reportedly operated by a student pilot.

"ARCC informed us that the official investigation will be conducted by the South African Civil Aviation Authority and the Accident and Incident Investigation Division of the South African Police Service (SAPS)." "We express our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased passengers," said MEC for Transport and Human Settlements in KZN, Siboniso Duma. The Pyper Cherokee aircraft with the registration of ZSKFB was last seen on Sunday. Around 3 p.m., the aircraft left Virginia Airport in Durban but did not arrive at its intended location. It was last seen flying over Ladysmith in the direction of Pietermaritzburg or Greytown in the south.

According to Duma, the ARCC informed them that the official investigation would be conducted by the SAPS's Accident and Incident Investigation Division and the South African Civil Aviation Authority. He stated that they were in contact with Zama Biyela, the deceased student pilot's mother (Nqobile Biyela). "This is the most difficult period for her and the entire family. "Losing such a young great leader with a promising career in the aviation industry, under such circumstances, is not only tragic but devastating. "Officials from my office and Ayanda Msweli, the country's most prominent traffic anchor, are in touch with the Biyela family. We will find the other families to express our condolences, and we salute the rescue teams for their efficiency."

He praised the work done by ARCC, SAPS Search and Rescue, Fire and Rescue Okhahlamba, Search and Rescue Zone Association, KZN Provincial EMS, Hamnet, ER24, Netcare911, Berg Flying, Greytown G911, Umboti Community Services, MTN, and the Bhanoyi Airfield Estate in the search. In the meantime, Duma stated that his department's plans for major work at Margate, Oribi, Umkhuze, Richards Bay, and Virginia Airports had been announced in April, with assistance from the aviation industry and the Economic Regulations for Transport Act. He stated, "We are currently coordinating our efforts with relevant departments like the SA Aviation Authority, Airport Company of South Africa, Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs."