SAPS divers continue search for suspected drowning victim

Divers from the SAPS Gauteng Water Policing and Diving Services were deployed to four reported incidents of suspected drowning from January 11 to 18.

Tokoza Gardens
On January 11, Ekurhuleni members attended a scene in Tokoza Gardens, recovering the body of an unknown male.

The body was floating in a water mass next to the Sam Ntuli stadium.

Sunninghill, Witkoppen Bridge
Johannesburg members responded to a call on January 12 after the vehicle of a 30-year-old woman washed away downstream of the Braamfontein Spruit.

It is alleged that she had been crossing a low-lying bridge.

“Raging waters engulfed the vehicle, but the driver was not inside,” said Benoni Flying Squad spokesperson Warrant Officer Grant Giblin.

“The Water Police, K9 Search and Rescue, local emergency services and NSRI assisted in searching for the driver, but they called off the search because of bad light and rising water levels.”

The search continued throughout the weekend, and they called on the assistance of the SAPS Air Wing on January 15.

“Multiple teams searched vast kilometres of the river and its banks but temporarily called off the search in the hope that water levels would subside,” said Giblin.

“The search was resumed on January 18, covering the area towards the Hartebeenpoort Dam. Despite their best efforts, the victim’s body was not recovered. The search continues.”

Vosloorus
On January 16, a woman and two children were rescued trapped in a vehicle after severe showers.

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