7-year-old drowns in Midrand pit, dies in uncle’s arms
"He died in my hands." Uncle heartbreakingly recounts the final moments of his 7-year-old nephew, who drowned in a pit in President Park and tragically passed away just metres from the local clinic.
A Grade 2 learner from Noordwyk Primary School has unfortunately died. Nsuku Mabunda (7) fell and drowned in a pit in President Park, Midrand on October 10, after leaving his house with a group of friends around 13:00.
Read more: Deadly N1 crash claims Midrand SAPS Victim Empowerment Centre member
It is unclear who owns the pit, but it’s along a footpath used as a shortcut from President Park to Allandale View.
One of the friends ran to inform Nsuku’s mother about the incident. When she investigated, she asked Nsuku’s uncle, Xolani Hadebe, to accompany her to the scene.
Also read: Rabie Ridge land grab leaves one dead after shooting
Hadebe managed to retrieve Nsuku from the 10m deep pit, filled with water. He said they did CPR before rushing him to the Ebony Park Clinic. According to Hadebe, while on their way, just a few metres from the clinic, Nsuku coughed and sadly passed away in his hands.
“He was a brave boy,” said Hadebe. “On our way to the clinic, I was carrying him in my hands. When he coughed I hoped that he would hold on for longer, until we got to the clinic. Little did we know that was his last breath. While opening a file, the doctors at the clinic had already certified him dead.”
On a Facebook page post, Noordwyk Primary School said it was filled with profound sadness as they shared the passing of their beloved learner, Nsuku. “Our hearts go out to Nsuku’s family, siblings, and friends during this heartbreaking time,” read the post. “As a school community, we are deeply saddened by this loss and stand together in grief and remembrance of a bright young soul who will be dearly missed.”
Follow us on our WhatsApp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates!
