Police retrieve bodies of nine drowned victims
Divers recovered nine bodies of drowning victims across Gauteng, including that of a three-year-old.
Divers from the South African Police Service Gauteng Water Policing and Diving Services were deployed to eight separate incidents across Gauteng, which resulted in the recovery of 11 drowning victims between October 19 and 26.
The most tragic event occurred on October 20 on the Vaal River when a 16-foot boat with a group of people capsised.
A three-year-old child was among the drowning victims together with three adults, all in their 30’s.
Other incidents saw victims recovered in Springs, Kagiso, Boschkop, Florida, Temba and Welbekend.
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Inquest dockets in these cases are under investigation.
Anyone going out to dams, rivers or waters in any kind of vessel or for any activity is advised to only do so with a life jacket on.
Parents of young children close to any open waters or rivers should warn them of the dangers of playing near these waters and should be supervised at all times so their whereabouts are known.
In the event of any accidents, they should call an adult and help immediately.
Persons wishing to cross-rivers should only do so at dedicated bridges as many accidents occur from victims being washed away by the raging water.
If anyone witnesses a water-related incident on a dam or river it is essential to get more than one landmark to pinpoint the location so that rescue teams can immediately identify where to commence a search.
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With the current warm weather, rainy season and school holidays people should be more wary of accidents occurring.
The public is once again warned that fishing with nets is illegal and a criminal offence.
