Father grief-stricken after son drowns
An eleven-year-old boy lost his life at eNdlovini River on Saturday
A DISTRAUGHT father is still grappling to come to terms with the tragic death of his 11-year-old son who drowned in a river on Saturday morning.
What was supposed to be an exciting outing with friends turned deadly when Nqobile Sikhakhane lost his life while swimming in the Ndlovini River in KwaNoshungu area.
According to reports, while taking a dip in the cool waters, Nqobile’s friends witnessed him disappearing into deep water and immediately reported the incident to the family.
Members of uMlalazi Local Municipality Protection Services immediately attended to the scene and conducted a search.
Several hours later, the search and rescue team recovered the boy’s body and the KZN forensic team took it for examination.
According to the grieving father, Mandlenkosi Sikhakhane (33), when his only son left home to join a group of herd-boys, he didn’t expect never to see him alive again.
Speaking with Eyethu Bay Watch, the heartbroken father said his son had a promising life; he felt such pain when he saw his lifeless body.
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‘I lifted him and he was already dead. Water was coming out of his mouth and ears.’
‘All my hopes were with him, especially after my other son died at birth. Maybe the problem is with me, that’s why I keep losing my children,’ said Sikhakhane.
‘He was a bright pupil and just started Grade 4 at eNdlovini Primary School. It is difficult to accept he is now gone,’
uMlalazi Local Municipality Mayor Cllr Thelumoya Zulu extended his condolences to the family and friends of Nqobile during his visit to the family.
‘I am deeply saddened by the loss the Sikhakhane family has encountered; losing a child can be a very distressing experience especially for the parents,’ said Zulu.
He also warned residents, in particular pupils to be extra-cautious while swimming.
He urged parents to educate children about the dangers of swimming in unsupervised areas such as rivers, river mouths, dams and ponds.
Nqobile will be laid to rest this weekend.
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