Boy (12) drowns in Gamalakhe river
Areas where rivers and dams are sometimes quite remote, if you get into difficulty, there will be no help nearby.
Sea Rescue water safety instructor, Nkazimulo Nyawose, said he is deeply concerned about people, especially children swimming in dams and rivers, and who are often unsupervised by adults.
This comes after the body of a 12-year-old boy, Philasande Mteshane was recovered from a river in Gamalakhe on Thursday, last week by members of SAPS Search and Rescue.
Port Shepstone police spokesperson, Captain Petros Mpinge said the youngster allegedly drowned while swimming with a group of other boys on Wednesday, March 15.
“An inquest case has been opened for investigation. Children should always be supervised when swimming regardless of how shallow the water is or how well children can swim. They should never be allowed to swim alone and be cautious about diving into rivers or pools,” said Mpinge.
Philasande’s aunt, Nokulunga Mzindle told Fever that what happened to their little boy has shattered their hearts and shocked them.
“The incident happened when Philasande did not go to school on Wednesday because he had ear ache. When he went to play with his friends, we did not think he would go so far away and not return. When we could not find him, we knew that his little friends knew what happened but they were scared to tell us. Phila was such a humble, sweet little child and that is what we will mostly miss about him,” said Mzindle.
Ward 27 councillor, Mdumiseni Cele, said the news of Philasande’s death has left them dismayed.
He said he grew up being warned about swimming in the river where the incident happened because what happened to the 12-year-old has happened to other children before.
“We are urging parents to not allow their children to go there because it is unsafe in these rivers. Yes, it is hard to monitor children and where they play because they will always sneak out, but it is important to emphasise to them the dangers of swimming there,” said Cele, adding that their heartfelt and deepest condolences go the little boy’s family.
Meanwhile, Sea Rescue’s Nyawose said among the reasons they are against swimming in such areas, is because one cannot see whatever is in the water that could hurt them.
“Areas where rivers and dams are sometimes quite remote, if you get into difficulty, there will be no help nearby,” said Nyawose.
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