Gauteng Water Policing and Diving Services (WPDS) divers responded to three water-related incidents across the province, recovering three drowning victims between October 14 and 15.

On October 14, Johannesburg WPDS members responded to a call from the Parkview SAPS about a body floating in the Zoo Lake. Divers recovered the body of an unknown male.

Later that afternoon, Ekurhuleni members responded to a drowning in progress in Tsakane, only to learn the incident had actually occurred that morning.

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Allegedly, three children were swimming at a small dam in Ext 11 when a 13-year-old girl jumped off a ledge. She did not resurface after struggling in the water.

Members were led to an area and did a pendulum search, recovering the victim’s body at 3m.

On October 15, Ekurhuleni members were called to recover a body in Knights, Germiston. The scene was a river on the mine premises on Main Reef Road.

Divers recovered the badly decomposed body of an unknown male wedged under a tree in a river flowing with mine water and sewage.

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These cases are under investigation by the local SAPS stations. Individuals with information about them are urged to contact the relevant SAPS station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

“In the wake of the Safer Festive Season campaign and these recent incidents, the inherent dangers of rivers and dams demand continued attention.

“With warm weather, the rainy season and school holidays, heightened awareness is crucial to prevent accidents,” said unit spokesperson Warrant Officer Grant Giblin.

“Precautionary measures are emphasised to avert needless deaths. Individuals venturing onto dams or rivers for any activity should do so only with a life jacket.

“Parents of young children near open waters should teach them about the dangers and constantly supervise,” he added.

Giblin urged people to use only designated bridges when crossing rivers because strong currents can sweep people away or drown them. He also warned against using low-water bridges during heavy rain and flooding.

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He added that those participating in baptism rituals should know the risks, noting that many Gauteng rivers, including the Klip and Jukskei rivers, are contaminated with sewage and chemicals, posing serious health hazards and contributing to drownings.

“Our divers and their equipment undergo a meticulous decontamination process after emerging from polluted waters, emphasising the health risks for those inadvertently exposing themselves to these waters,” said Giblin.

“Witnesses to water-related incidents on dams or rivers should provide multiple landmarks to pinpoint locations for immediate search and rescue efforts. The public is reminded that fishing with nets is dangerous, illegal and constitutes a criminal offence,” he added.