Janine Lochrenberg, a retired medical physicist and passionate open-water swimmer, died after being attacked by a shark at Orient Beach in KuGompo, formerly East London, on Tuesday morning.
Lochrenberg, 65, was swimming with fellow members of the East London Open Water Swimming Association when swimmers saw a splash and a shark fin near her.
The group rushed to her aid and helped bring her to shore while others called emergency services. She was declared dead on the shore.
The attack caused shock across the local swimming community and prompted Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality to close Orient Beach and nearby Eastern Beach. According to the municipality, it was the city’s first fatal shark attack since 1997.
Lochrenberg’s fellow swimmers described her as a talented musician, a dedicated swimmer and a quiet but important presence in the open-water community.
Swimmers rush to her aid
Veteran journalist and fellow open-water swimmer Mike Loewe was with Lochrenberg and the group when the attack happened.
He said swimmers saw a splash and a shark fin before rushing towards her.
Lochrenberg was severely bitten on her thigh and upper arm, Loewe said. The swimmers helped bring her to the beach, but she had died by the time she reached the shore.
Police spokesperson Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa said officers were called to the scene and found the victim with open wounds.
“A case has been opened at KuGompo SAPS for further investigation,” added Mawisa.
The police investigation is expected to document the circumstances of the attack, while the relevant authorities assess safety measures at the affected beaches.
Loewe described Lochrenberg as someone who loved swimming in the open ocean, including swimming alone.
“She loved being out there, often on her own. She was a beautiful, talented and amazing musician. She was super happy with her swimming and music. She loved solo swimming. I have done a lot of solo stuff myself. I respect what she did.”
‘Janine’s happy place’
The East London Open Water Swimming Association said Lochrenberg died in the place where she felt most at home.
The association described her as a treasured member of the ocean-swimming community and said her death had left an enormous hole among fellow swimmers.
“She was never one to seek the spotlight, preferring to quietly go about doing what she loved most – swimming in the ocean. But behind her gentle, unassuming nature was someone who contributed so much to our swimming community, always there, always willing, and very much a part of the heart of our group.
The association said:
“The ocean was Janine’s happy place. It was where she found her joy, and where so many of us were fortunate enough to share special moments with her.”
It said her smile, kindness and quiet presence would remain part of the memories of the swimming community.
“Our hearts go out to Janine’s family, and especially to her beloved partner, Barbara, during this unimaginable time. There are simply no words. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, messages and support from the wider ocean community.”
Lochrenberg was also a passionate violinist, and friends remembered her love of music alongside her dedication to swimming.
Medical community mourns colleague
Lochrenberg worked at Frere Hospital, where she served as a medical physicist and headed the department until her retirement in December last year.
Eastern Cape Department of Health spokesperson Camagwini Mavovana said Lochrenberg continued assisting the department when needed after her retirement.
“She, however, continued to avail herself to assist the department as needed. She was a dedicated professional who played a role in the radiation oncology service responsible for calibration and dose calculations of our linear accelerator and brachytherapy equipment.
“Her commitment, expertise and contribution to the department will always be remembered and valued. Her passing is a great loss to our team and the healthcare community of the Eastern Cape. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family and colleagues during this difficult time,” added Mavovana.
Her work supported the safe and accurate delivery of radiation treatment, making her a respected member of the Eastern Cape healthcare community.
Beaches closed after attack
Buffalo City Metro ordered the closure of Orient Beach and nearby Eastern Beach on Tuesday as a precaution after the fatal attack.
Municipal spokesperson Luzuko Buku said a review of city records showed that the last fatal shark attack in Buffalo City had occurred in 1997. A shark attack reported at Nahoon Beach in 2023 was non-fatal.
“While shark sightings along our shores do occur naturally, Buffalo City has consistently implemented timely beach closures as preventative measures to manage public risk. This incident is therefore not defining the leisure experience and safety of our beaches in the city,” added Buku.
He said the incident had been formally reported to the relevant authorities, which were dealing with it within their respective mandates.
The municipality did not indicate how long the beach closures would remain in place or whether additional shark-monitoring measures would be introduced.
‘The sharks’ territory’
Loewe said Orient Beach remained one of the safest beaches, while acknowledging that swimmers were entering a natural marine environment.
“I will be swimming again,” he said.
“The ocean belongs to the marine ecosystem. If it’s me next time, then so be it. Nobody must think of this as a shark beach. I personally think that sharks come and go.”
His comments reflected the difficult balance faced by open-water swimmers who regard the ocean as a source of joy while recognising the risks associated with entering the habitat of marine animals.
For Lochrenberg’s family, partner, colleagues and fellow swimmers, the attack has transformed a place associated with freedom and happiness into the scene of an unbearable loss.
She is remembered not only for the circumstances of her death, but for the life she built around the ocean, music, science and service to the healthcare community.
At the latest update, police were investigating the fatal attack and Orient Beach and Eastern Beach remained closed as the authorities assessed the incident.