Body of 13-year-old found 15 hours after being swept away

A 13-year-old pupil from Mvelaphanda Primary School in Tembisa drowned on Monday during heavy downpours attempting to cross a strong water current on her way home from school.

Initial information indicates that four pupils from the same school attempted to cross the stream before this tragic incident happened, William Ntladi, spokesman for Ekurhuleni Emergency Sercives said.

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“Apparently three others saw their friend, who was ahead of them, being swept away by the strong current and disappeared under the water. They managed to get to safety and called for help. Members of the public, who witnessed the incident, also tried in vain to save her life,” Ntladi said.

Emergency services were alerted around 4pm and responded to the scene in Winnie Mandela Zone 11. On arrival, a search along the water stream was initiated by rescue teams from both Ekurhuleni Emergency Services and the SAPS K-9 Unit. The search was called off at around 7pm without finding the girl’s missing body.

Ntladi said the search resumed at 8.30am this morning. The girl’s body was discovered an hour later, partially submerged under the water along the stream. Members of her family positively identified the body as that of their child.