LIMPOPO- Two families were left devastated after two boys, aged 11 and 12, drowned in the Nzhelele River at Tshitunu tsha fhasi Ha-Malima last weekend.
According to a close family friend, Vhonani Chaele (11) and Pfariso Ramudidibi (12) from Nzhelele Dzanani Musanda left home on April 22 with their mothers, who happened to be neighbours, to go to Tshituni Ha-Malima, where they stayed until the next day. It was on the Sunday that four children between the ages of 11 and 14, including Vhonani and Pfariso, went to swim in the river.
According to a witness, the boys realised that the water was deep and it soon became apparent that the two boys were struggling to stay afloat. By the time help arrived, one boy had already drowned, while police divers discovered the second body at around 20:00.
Acting Provincial Police Commissioner Maj Gen Jan Scheepers, confirmed the incident.
“Members of the community managed to retrieve the body of one of the boys and thereafter sought assistance from the police, whereby the SAPS’ Search and Rescue Divers managed to retrieve the second body. Police opened an inquest. Investigations continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.”
He said parents and guardians are cautioned to ensure that their children do not take part in swimming activities unsupervised and to be careful to ensure they don’t lose sight of them, to avoid heart-breaking incidents such as these,” said Scheepers.
The traditional leader of Dzanani village, chief Sydney Khathutshelo Mamuha described the incident as tragic.
“It is painful to lose young people. Parents must please keep a close watch on their children, especially when visiting villages unfamiliar to them. We are trying to assist the families in every way possible.”
