Recent drowning tragedies in the province have compelled Police to once again issue a warning that children should not be left unattended at any time. This is particularly appropriate in the light of heavy rainfall and high summer temperatures being experienced in large parts of the province and after four children have drowned in separate incidents at various locations since the end of November.
Provincial Police Spokesperson Moatshe Ngoepe has urged parents to educate their children on the dangers of dams and rivers and to ensure that somebody capable of swimming always accompany children when they play near water.
Ngoepe indicated that a two-year-old toddler, Gundo Sidogi was found drowned in a container filled with water at her home in Levubu on 30 November. It is reported that the child was playing close to the container when she allegedly fell in and drowned.
In a second incident two 15-year-old boys, Lesetja Morifi and Petrus Legodi drowned in a river at Utjane near Ga-Mashashane. They were swimming and allegedly got swept away by the current. Police were summoned and the Search and Rescue Unit ordered to help with the search until their lifeless bodies were retrieved later the same day, Ngoepe reported.
Police have opened an inquest docket after an incident during which a 14-year-old boy drowned at the Lemana Dam near Magangeni village outside Waterval.
According to Ngoepe, Ntwanano Maluleke was reportedly swimming with two other children in the dam when he allegedly got into trouble and drowned. The other boys quickly ran for help and the Police were informed. His body was retrieved by members of the Search and Rescue Unit later that day.
Story: RC Myburgh
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