SAPS divers recover three bodies
The water police recovered three bodies in the first week of December.
Divers from the SAPS Gauteng Water Policing and Diving Services were deployed to three incidents in Gauteng from December 1 to 7, which saw divers recover three bodies.
On December 4, Tshwane members attended a scene in Hammanskraal and recovered the body of an unknown male in an advanced stage of decomposition from the Apies River.
On the morning of December 6, Sedibeng members were deployed to Lakeside Dam in the Orange Farm area.
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It was alleged that an unknown woman had gone for an early morning swim and never returned, leaving her clothing beside the dam.
After a thorough search, divers retrieved a body from the dam.
Ekurhuleni members responded to a call in Kempton Park on the same afternoon, where they found a body in a pool of water at the end of a stormwater pipe on Kaboom Street, Croydon.
The unknown man had his belongings with him, leading members to believe he could have slept or stayed inside the pipe.
Inquest dockets for these cases are under investigation.
Individuals with information regarding these incidents are encouraged 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.
Individuals intending to cross rivers are urged only to do so at dedicated bridges because accidents often stem from rapid currents sweeping victims away.
ALSO READ: Police retrieve bodies of nine drowned victims
Those engaging in baptism rituals should be aware of the risks, considering the potential contamination of Gauteng rivers, like the Klip and Juksei rivers, with sewage and chemicals posing health hazards.
Precautionary measures are emphasised to avert loss of life.
Individuals venturing into dams, rivers, or waters for any activity are advised to do so only with a life jacket.
Parents of young children near open waters should teach them about the dangers and ensure constant supervision.
Those who witness water-related incidents on dams or rivers are urged to provide multiple landmarks to pinpoint locations for immediate search and rescue efforts.
With warm weather, the rainy season, and school holidays, heightened awareness is crucial to mitigate accidents.
As Tshwane responded to a call on Thursday morning for illegal nets in the Wilge River, the public is again reminded that fishing with nets is illegal and a criminal offence.
