Boy drowns in KwaThema
KwaThema – A body of a young man estimated to be in his late teens, was found dead in water near a brick manufacturer, close to Tonk Meter Road.
According to Disaster and Emergency Management Services acting spokesman Eric Maloka, they received the call from the community at about 6.11pm on Friday.
“The KwaThema Fire Station responded to the case of a drowning, that happened in the area on Friday evening.
“As it was late and getting dark, they also requested the assistance of the SAPS divers.
Read: Seven-year-old drowns in Langaville
“The search then intensified at about 7pm and the body was recovered at about 8.30pm,” he says.
Maloka states that it’s believed that the deceased, who’s originally from Tembisa, was swimming with some friends, however it’s unclear what happened that resulted in his drowning.
“As DEMS we plead with the community to refrain from swimming in dams and streams, as you could drown.
Read: Guidelines on what to do in a drowning emergency
“Congregations should also stop conducting baptisms in these areas, especially during heavy rains.
“Instead, they should rather ask to be accompanied by people who can assist them and who can swim, like lifeguards – should something go wrong.
“Cyclists should also not ride their bicycles through water, especially if they’re unsure of the depth, as anything can happen,” warns Maloka.
