POLOKONG. – The Body of 16-year-old Neo Nthebe had to be retrieved from a municipal pump station after he and his friends went swimming inside the vandalized structure situated in Zone 20, just beside the Golden Highway. The incident happened on Thursday, 05 October.
The grade 10 learner from Jordan High School in Evaton was visiting his aunt in Polokong when he and a group of friends decided to go swimming inside the pump station. It is said that while swimming, Neo got stuck inside and was unable to get out.
Neo’s body was retrieved after hours by divers.
The scene was attended by Metsi a Lekoa, Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) Fire Department, Emergency Services, and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Speaking to Ster North, Neo’s sister Lindiwe Nthebe said she was in disbelief regarding the incident.
“I can’t believe that my brother is gone. As a family, we are devastated about this whole incident because we never imagined something like this happening. We now ask for space to process what has happened as it is still fresh.”
Police spokesperson Captain Teboho Lephoto says: “On Thursday 2023-10-05, at around 12:30 pm the Police received a complaint of drowning near Sebokeng water works in Unit 20.
“Upon arrival, it was confirmed that a sixteen-year-old boy drowned and died whilst they were swimming with other friends. Paramedics were called and the boy was certified dead on the scene and was taken to the mortuary. An inquest docket has been registered and investigations are ongoing.”
Lephoto urged parents to take extra precautions during the school recess and warn kids of some of the dangers of playing in the streams.
“The Sebokeng police under the leadership of Brigadier Thembekile Kubone wishes to join the public in conveying their sincere condolences to the family during this time,” Lephoto concludes
