A man was reportedly found dead in a trench dug for the construction of a scour at Makgeru-Schoonoord Bulk Water Project at Tshetlhwaneng village, Sekhukhune in the early hours of Sunday.
A statement released by the Department of Water and Sanitation informed that it was not yet known how the victim had fallen into the trench and that the Police were investigating the incident. The department went on to indicate that the Police had identified the man as Phorane Kobo (25). The department warned villagers who live around the project to avoid walking near the dug trenches as this may place their lives in danger.
Police spokesperson Maphure Manamela confirmed the incident and stated that they were investigating the matter. It was learnt that Sekhukhune District Mayor Stanley Ramaila visited the grieving family on Tuesday and reportedly assured them that the municipality would carry the funeral costs.
Ramaila reportedly said “As the municipality we are saying the loss of the Kobo family is also our loss. We wish to appeal for calm from everybody involved so that we allow the Police to investigate this mysterious death unhindered. Speculations and accusations will not help anybody during this time of bereavement. We need to work together towards a dignified burial of this son of the soil. The district municipality is committed to support the family during these trying times.”
Family spokesperson Samson Phakwago stressed that the incident occurred because of the contractor’s negligence and that the contractor hadn’t bothered to visit the family. Phakwago emphasised that the contractor must take responsibility for failing to cover the ditch, adding that they were planning to host a birthday party for the deceased in December but death had interrupted their plans. The deceased will be laid to rest on Saturday at Vleischboom village.
In another incident, a man in Mokopane, identified in a statement issued by the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo as Daniel Pitja, allegedly sustained serious spinal and neck injuries after falling into an uncovered manhole last month. DA councillor in Mogalakwena Municipality, Thapelo Pooe reportedly said the two metre deep manhole had been left open by a contractor in 2016. The party was expected to visit Pitja in Mokopane Hospital yesterday (Wednesday) to wish him a speedy recovery and further help him seek legal advice on the legal avenues available to him, it was learnt.
Story: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za
