Two child drownings in Limpopo prompt safety plea
Police are investigating separate drowning incidents in Thohoyandou and Giyani, as the provincial commissioner urges extreme public caution.
LIMPOPO – Police in Thohoyandou have opened an inquest docket following the drowning of a six-year-old child in the Tshilapfene village.
Six-year-old swept away in river crossing
Preliminary reports indicate that on Saturday afternoon (January 17), the child was walking with other children to a local shop to buy bread.
While attempting to cross the Gobe river stream, she was swept away by the water. The other children reportedly managed to cross safely.
Parents and community members were alerted, and after searching, found the child already drowned. Police and emergency services were summoned to the scene, where the victim was certified dead.
A separate loss in Giyani
In a separate and unrelated tragedy in Giyani, police responded to a scene at Nkomo village on Thursday evening (January 15).
Upon arrival, a woman pointed out the lifeless body of her two-year-old son. Preliminary information suggests the toddler fell into a pit toilet full of water and drowned.
Police urge vigilance during rains
Following these incidents, provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has issued an urgent plea to the public.
She strongly urges those in flood-affected areas not to attempt to cross rivers or overflowing streams. Hadebe also encouraged parents and guardians to supervise children closely during the current rainy conditions.
Both investigations are continuing.
