Boy drowns in Johannesburg Water excavation hole in Clay Oven, mother inconsolable
Clay Oven informal settlement residents are furious after a young boy drowned in a Johannesburg Water hole.
Authorities are with the family of a four-year-old boy who drowned in a Johannesburg Water (JW) excavation site on April 6.
The large hole in the Clay Oven informal settlement has been like this since January, with residents saying they reported the problem to JW multiple times, but nothing was done.
The boy’s mother, Lydia Monyeke, is inconsolable despite efforts from her aunt Puleng Mabuea who is visiting from the Free State.
MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services Jack Sekwaila said, “The four-year-old boy passed away after falling into an excavation site on April 6.”
Read more here:Â MMC warns against child drownings
Ward 93 councillor Vino Reddy is also on-site to support the family. Reddy was with the family from start to finish. He was consoling the inconsolable mother of The child during the visit to the MMC.
According to the JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla, said, “The child was rescued but unfortunately passed away due to his injuries at the hospital.”
JW is conducting an internal investigation to determine the cause of the tragedy. Both JW and the MMC will fully cooperate with law enforcement authorities.
Read more:Â UPDATE: Child critical but stable after drowning
Meanwhile, protestors from the informal settlement caused major disruptions for motorists on April 8.
Protest in Paulshof, Sandton, earlier today.#CrimeWatch pic.twitter.com/eOhkjeoJUa
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) April 8, 2024
The intersection of Witkoppen and Main roads was blockaded with debris, rubble, and burning tyres placed on the road, making it difficult for vehicles and pedestrians in the area.
Ward 94 councillor David Foley said at the time, “Residents were allegedly protesting a tragic incident involving the drowning of a minor in the settlement.”
Police officers were immediately called to the scene to handle the tense situation and will continue to monitor the area for any further disruptions. This is a developing story.
Watch here:
@caxtonjoburgnorth This is the hole dug by Johannesburg Water after repairing a pipe burst. It has allegedly taken the life of a young child. #johannesburgwater #childsafety
Related article:Â Three boys drown in Diepsloot
