The bodies of four young people, two of whom hail from Groblersdal, on Tuesday arrived from Mozambique where they were reportedly overpowered by a current during a swimming trip last Monday. Following an intense search conducted since the tragedy, the last body was found on Saturday.
In a press release issued by the Provincial Government it was mentioned that Social Development MEC Mapula Mokaba-
Phukwana was expected to await the arrival of the bodies along with survivors and bereaved families at Elias Motsoaledi Municipality yesterday (Wednesday).
Premier Stan Mathabatha is expected to attend the funeral of Lesego Matsepe and Mmatholo Mogafe at Groblersdal Stadium on 27 January.
David Kaise and Gregory Mfune will be buried separately in Embalenhle, Mpumalanga and Betlehem, Free State respectively.
Vincent Rammupudu, Lesedi Mmotong, Basetsana Mogafe and Lefentse Mampuru, the other members of the group, are from Tafelkop and Groblersdal.
Mathabatha reportedly said earlier: “We are shattered and wish to thank the National Government, President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Minister of International Relations, Lindiwe Sisulu for their swift action when they heard the news.”
It was learnt that Mathabatha set up a special team that visited the affected families in Groblersdal on Friday.
The team, consisting of social workers and psychologists, is assisting reletaives and friends affected by the disaster.
The group of eight young people apparently left South Africa on 12 January to celebrate the birthday of one of them on the Mozambican coastline.
While swimming at Portuguese Island the incident happened.
Mathabatha reportedly also thanked the South African Embassy, the Mozambican authorities, Navy and Department of International Relations for their invaluable role in the process.
Story: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za
