SMALL FARM – Samkelo Gadu, was swept by heavy river current on Saturday afternoon when he, together with a friend, Morena Nteso (21) tried to cross the river.
The duo was coming from Mkhelele heading towards Small Farm going to Boitumelo where Gadu and Nteso stays.
Since the disappearance of Gadu, Sedibeng Cluster Police Search and Rescue teams were dispatched.
Today, SAPS Airwing unit was also assigned and flew above the river to help find missing Gadu.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, Nhlanhla Gadu, uncle to Samkelo said they last saw the man in the morning when a friend fetched him.
“Samkelo left with a friend stating they were going to extension 11 in Mkhelele. We [the family] then received news that on their way back
What we don’t understand is why they forced to pass that side going to Boitumelo when there are other alternative ways,” he said.
Nhlanhla added that they have been doing their own search near the river lines trying to find a lead.
“We went on the river lines to try and help the police search for Samkelo without any success. As the family, we would be happy to find him. Many of our family members are distraught by this incident. Samkelo was a child and we had hoped for many good things from him,” he said.
A visibly distressed Nteso gave his eyewitness account on what transpired on the day of the incident.
“We were going home from Mkhelele when we decided to use the Evaton, Small Farm route. When we got to the river, there was high and heavy water passing over the low-lying bridge. We decided to pass despite the heavy current, then Samkelo slipped. We couldn’t see where we were walking. I helplessly watched him slid above the water while he screamed for help,” he said.
Nteso said he ran on the side of the river trying to locate his two-year friend without success.
“When I came out of the water with an attempt to help him as he moved above water, he disappeared in my eyes. I am very disturbed because I couldn’t help him,” he said.
Police spokesman Captain Fikile Funda said “our search and rescue teams, water and air wing were deployed to search for the missing body. However, the operation had to be called off and will resume when the level of water lessens. We are investigating a case of drowning”.
The district commander Major General Zodwa Molefe warns communities to stay away from rivers and running water during rainy days.
