Residents of Urbika Lifestyle Estate in Parkdene are still in shock following the untimely deaths of two children who drowned in a detention pond on the estate in Boksburg.
Lesedi Molema (9) and her brother Naledi (4), who were pupils at the nearby Curro Academy, drowned when they fell into the pond on October 2.
A preliminary investigation into the tragedy, which left many residents traumatised, suggests that the siblings were playing in the area with other children before the boy (Naledi) slipped and fell into the pond.
Upon that, his sister (Lesedi) unsuccessfully tried to pull her brother out using a long stick before she herself also slipped and fell into the pond.
Thereupon, one of the children, who apparently witnessed the traumatic experience, went to call the drowned children’s mother.
The family, fellow residents and a security guard managed to pull the children’s bodies out of the water, but it was too late, as they were both pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
Apparently, the children used a small gap between the perimeter fencing and the pond’s barricade fence to access the section. Divers also arrived and combed through the pond to ensure there were no other children who were in the water.
Police are investigating the incident.
Mom recalls moment of tragedy
Speaking to the Advertiser last week, residents and the devastated mother of the pair, Keabetswe Molema, said they were still coming to terms with the death of the youngsters.
“This has been a difficult period for me. It’s a horrible experience and something I would not wish on other parents. It’s very hard to accept. To this day I’m still trying to make sense of what happened to my children.
“Since their death, I found it almost impossible to sleep. Every time I close my eyes, I see my children’s faces, and constantly picture the scene, the screams from my dying children – mom, please help us!”
According to the mother, one of the children from the complex whose clothes were partly soaked in dirty water came to call her saying, “You must come because Naledi is drowning, but don’t worry Lesedi is saving him”.
“Everything she said didn’t click into place because we knew there was no pool in the yard and we were unaware that there is a pond on the premises.
“I then recalled that there are sprinklers used to water the park plants and grass, hence, one of my neighbours and I walked, fairly relaxed, towards the park where we started looking for my children
“After we could not find my children there, the child took us to the enclosed space next to the perimeter fencing and she entered the area through a small passage.
“It was at that point that we noticed the standing water. Upon further investigation, we were both shocked when we noticed my daughter’s body floating in the pond,” said the mother as she broke down, sobbing.
“Looking at her body, her mouth filled with greenish stuff and the wide opened eyes, I knew she was dead. We screamed for help, while repeatedly performing CPR on her. I cried, repeatedly checked her pulse and prayed but there were no signs of life.
“I ran to call a fellow resident who is a doctor by profession and she came to assist, but it was too late. At the time, my son was nowhere to be seen, and we screamed for people to come and help us look for him.”
One of the security guards and a man from the complex helped with the search. He was eventually found submerged in the dirty water.
“I knew it was also too late to resuscitate him and with a deep pang of sorrow, I watched the security guard pulling my son’s body from the water.
“We remained on the scene with the bodies from around 14:00 until 20.00 waiting for the mortuary van to arrive and remove them.
“I already miss my children so much. They were my angels and here they had many friends. My house was like a children’s play area where many children from neighbours would come and play with my children.
The mother described her children as loving, kind, friendly, inquisitive, intelligent and always respectful. Lesedi wanted to become a doctor, while Naledi aspired to become a professional rugby or soccer player.
The children were laid to rest on October 8 in Mafikeng, North West.
The deaths of the children and the existence of the pond also came as a shock to many residents of the area.
They pointed out that they were not made aware of the existence of the pond, accusing the managing agent Staylonger of ‘failure’ to ensure that the pond was properly secured, and to at least warn them about the potential dangers the pond poses to children in particular.
“As a grandparent myself, I can’t imagine what the mother is going through. Our hearts go out to her.
“It’s unacceptable that nobody knew about this danger. Making sure that the area is properly barricaded would have prevented these deaths.
“When you move in a place like this they must tell you there is a swimming pool that is not protected then the parents will look after their kids.
“Suddenly here it feels like there is a dark cloud hanging over this place. I also find it hard to sleep at night. It’s traumatising.”
Some of the neighbours, who spent most of the time with the bereaved family trying to console them and offer support, said they also felt the missing pieces of the children not being there anymore.
“It’s such a heartbreaking situation the family is finding itself in right now. It’s also a traumatic situation for all of us including our children who have lost their friends like this,” said one of the residents.
School expresses condolences
“It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we must announce the untimely passing of Naledi and Lesedi Molemo, beloved siblings in Group 5 and Grade 2.
“We offer our heartfelt condolences to their family and friends as well as the staff and learners of Curro Academy Parkdene.
“We share in your grief.”
Statement from Urbika Lifestyle Estate
Ian Mason, Body Corporate trustee at Urbika Lifestyle Estate, confirmed the tragic accident.
“This is an isolated incident and the first of its kind on the estate.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the family concerned, and are committed to supporting them during this difficult time.
“We have visited the family to offer our condolences and support. Trauma counselling has been offered to the family as well as residents and staff of the estate,” said Mason.
Mason explained that a detention pond is a common feature on lifestyle estates, and this is built to mitigate storm water drainage clogs when there is heavy rainfall and to collect grey water run-off. “In this case the pond was also designed to be a reservoir to hold water for irrigation.
“We have ensured the permanent and full-time placement of a security guard at the pond to minimise the risk of such incidents happening again. Other measures we have implemented include additional signage of safety warnings and awareness messages have been issued to residents.”
The police arrived on the scene, and all involved parties have cooperated fully with the authorities on the matter.
An investigation into the incident is underway.
Also Read: Nine-year-old girl and her brother, 4, die after drowning in pond
Also Read: Drowning prevention: Make sure your pool is child-proof
