Boy survives a brush with death after rescued from drowning

BURGERSFORT – An 11-year-old boy narrowly survived a brush with death when he slipped into an unbarricaded ditch while playing next to it in Driekop, Kampeng Section, on Sunday afternoon.

The pit was flooded with water due to recent rain. He was rescued by a passer-by, who happened to be at the right place at the right time.

Junior Mahubedu, a grade three pupil at Angels Park, allegedly slipped into the hole while he and his peers were playing next to the pit. Simon Mkhonto, who happened to be in the vicinity, said he was alerted by the screams from the boy’s friends.

“I found the boy in the water, his body and head were submerged into the ditch for a few seconds before I could remove him.

By the grace of God, he was still breathing. We managed to give him first aid help and he was resuscitated. It was frightening as he nearly lost his life. The ditch is about six metres deep, I was also struggling to take him out as it is muddy and slippery inside the hole.”

Resident, Given Makhubedu, said the pit was allegedly left unsecured by the Lebaka Construction. He said the company is contracted to install a water pipeline in the Kampeng area.

“The pond-like ditch was filled with rain water. I reckon it is about six or more metres deep and is situated next to Tumishi Primary School. Kids like to play next to this site. We are appealing to this company to barricade and drain the water from the hole. This is not only endangering our lives. Our livestock might also drown.”

Makhubedu said there were two unsecured holes in the village.

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“After the incident, we tried to fence them with thorn trees but they are still posing a safety concern to the community.”

The Thobejane family told Steelburger/Lydenburg News that they were thankful that their son was saved.

“I reprimanded him not to play there, but kids will remain kids. We are thankful he is still alive. The incident happened after I took him to church that morning,” said the boy’s grandmother, Mokgapedi Thobejane. “I will move him from this area during this school holidays.”

She thanked Mkhonto for his act of bravery, and for rescuing her grandson.

Emmanuel Moyo of Lebaka Construction indicated that they barricaded the pit after learning of the incident. “We also decided to drain the water and the area is safe at this moment.

We will also look at other safety measures. We appeal to communities to be cautious as we are nearing completion of the project.”