Fatal shark attack shuts two KuGompo City beaches. What we know
Photo: ChrisDHDR, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Orient Beach and Eastern Beach in KuGompo City (East London) are closed to swimmers until further notice after a fatal shark attack on Tuesday morning, 20 October 2026 (TimesLIVE). Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality has not given a reopening date.
A 65-year-old woman, a regular open-water swimmer, died after she was bitten while swimming with a group off Orient Beach at about 08:00 (News24). It is the city's first fatal shark attack since 1997, according to the municipality (TimesLIVE).
Last updated: 21 October 2026, 17:36 SAST.
What happened at Orient Beach?
The woman was swimming with other members of the local open-water swimming community. Fellow swimmers brought her to shore and tried to revive her, but medics declared her dead at the scene (News24).
Police spokesperson Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa said an inquest case has been opened at KuGompo SAPS (News24).
The East London Open Water Swimming group paid tribute to her as a treasured member who "contributed so much to our swimming community" (IOL). Swimmers who were with her said they did not blame the shark and planned to return to the water (TimesLIVE).
When will the beaches reopen?
There is no date yet. Municipal spokesperson Luzuko Buku said the closures are a precaution, and that how long they last depends on technical safety assessments and advice from the relevant authorities. Any decision to reopen will be announced on the municipality's official channels (TimesLIVE).
What is the municipality telling beachgoers?
Stay out of the water at Orient and Eastern beaches, and obey warning signs and instructions from lifeguards and municipal officials (TimesLIVE). Warnings have also gone out at other beaches. "Members of the public are requested to remain vigilant, adhere to all safety advisories, and comply with instructions issued by the relevant authorities," the city said (IOL).
At beaches that remain open, Buku urged people to swim only in designated areas and only when lifeguards are on duty, between 08:30 and 17:00 (TimesLIVE).
How often do sharks bite in KuGompo City?
Rarely. Municipal records show the last fatal attack in the city was in 1997, and the last reported shark attack of any kind was in 2023 (TimesLIVE).
FAQ
Which beaches are closed in KuGompo City?
Orient Beach and Eastern Beach are closed to the public until further notice after the fatal shark attack on 20 October 2026.
When will Orient Beach reopen?
No date has been set. Buffalo City says reopening depends on technical safety assessments and expert advice, and will be announced on its official channels.
When was the last shark attack in East London?
According to Buffalo City's records, the last fatal shark attack in the city was in 1997 and the last reported shark attack was in 2023.
When are lifeguards on duty in Buffalo City?
The municipality says lifeguards are on duty between 08:30 and 17:00, and urges people to swim only in designated areas during those hours.