Boy, 8, drowns in local dam

Walk turns tragic – friends try in vain to save drowning friend aged 8.

The child's body was retrieved by police divers later the same day. File photo.

An 8-year-old boy died tragically in a drowning incident in Zenzele, Randfontein on Monday, 27 February.

Also read: How to prevent drowning of children

Local police said the incident took place at about 4.15pm. It is alleged the victim was walking with his friends next to a dam. He then accidentally fell and rolled into the dam, where he drowned.

“It is alleged that his friends tried to saved him, but in vain,” said Captain Appel Ernst, the Randfontein Police spokesperson.

The child’s body was retrieved by police divers later the same day. Ernst said further that paramedics were summoned and certified him dead on the scene.

Brigadier Manamela, the Randfontein Police station commander, expressed his concern. “Incidents of this nature are unfortunate. Our condolences to the bereaved family,” he said.

An inquest into the cause of the child’s death has been opened.

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