SAPS rescue units recover three bodies between January 19 and 25
The K9 Search and Rescue was summoned to the scene where they recovered the body with Johannesburg Emergency Services from around three metres deep in the manhole floating in contaminated water.
Divers from the SAPS Gauteng Water Policing and Diving Services were deployed to five separate incidents in Gauteng, between January 19 to January 25, which resulted in the recovery of three bodies.
From Friday to Sunday, Johannesburg and Tshwane WDPS members, assisted by K9 Search and Rescue, local emergency services and SARZA continued the search from the Sunninghill Witkoppen Bridge where a female driver had been washed downstream in the Braamfontein Spruit while trying to cross a low-lying bridge on January 12.
“Each day in excess of 20 members covered the river and banks all the way to the Crocodile River, almost a 20km stretch,” said Warrant Officer Grant Giblin, Benoni Flying Squad communications officer.
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“With SAPS Air Wing chopper having assisted and nothing found all the way to Hartebeespoort the search was abandoned on Sunday afternoon. All role players remained on standby for any sightings.”
On January 19, members of Ekurhuleni WPDS responded to a scene in Withok, Brakpan where the body of an old man was recovered from a ditch.
January 22 saw the deployment of officers for a body found in a manhole.
The K9 Search and Rescue was summoned to the scene where they recovered the body with Johannesburg Emergency Services from around three metres deep in the manhole floating in contaminated water.
“Between January 24 and 25, Sedibeng WDPS members searched the Vaal River around Emerald Casino for a missing person.
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“No one was found. Yet a net of around 30m used for illegal fishing was confiscated on the banks of the Taaibosch Spruit,” said Giblin.
Furthermore, members recovered the body of an elderly man on the embankment of the dam at Lakeview informal settlement at Ennerdale.
Inquest dockets for these cases are under investigation.
Individuals with information regarding these incidents are encouraged to contact the relevant SAPS station or Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
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With the current heavy rainfall, the inherent dangers of rivers and dams demands continued attention.
Individuals intending to traverse rivers are urged to do so exclusively at dedicated bridges, as accidents often stem from victims being swept away by rapid currents.
As can be gathered from the above scenes attended, a low water bridge should not be traversed at all by foot or vehicle when flooded.
Those engaging in baptism rituals should be cognisant of associated risks, considering the potential contamination of Gauteng rivers with sewage and chemicals, posing health hazards and the risk of being swept away.
Precautionary measures are emphasized to avert needless loss of life. Individuals venturing onto dams, rivers, or waters for any activity are advised to do so only with a life jacket.
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Parents of young children near open waters should educate them about the associated dangers and ensure constant supervision.
Witnesses to water-related incidents on dams or rivers are urged to provide multiple landmarks to pinpoint locations for immediate search and rescue efforts. With the rainy season, prevailing, heightened awareness is crucial to mitigate accidents.
The public is reminded that fishing with nets is illegal and constitutes a criminal offence.
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