Thirteen-year-old’s life cut short by drowning

A 13-year-old girl sadly lost her life in a tragic incident on Saturday, 13 March. She drowned in Montrose in Middelvlei, Randfontein.

Sergeant Kgomotso Mogwere, spokesperson for the West Rand District Police said a passer-by allegedly spotted the girl in a trench with water.

Emergency services were called to the scene, but there was nothing they could do to save the child and she was declared dead. An inquest docket was opened with the police.

Mogwere warned that drowning does not only happen in deep or open water like swimming pools, dams, sea, lakes or rivers.

“A child can drown in just 30 seconds, and it only takes a few centimetres of water. Water is a silent killer so it is important to be vigilant constantly when you are around water with children,” said Mogwere.

Here are some tips from the police to prevent children from drowning:

• Always know where your children are.
• Never leave small children unattended in the bath.
• Always empty baths, buckets, containers and paddling pools immediately after use.
• Buckets of water must be closed firmly with lids.
• Teach children about the danger of playing with water without supervision.
• Teach children how to swim.

The public can save lives and report crime to their nearest police station or call the Crime Stop line on 086 00 10111, communicate via the My SAPS app or SMS 32211 to remain anonymous.