Pretoria West police and emergency responders were called to action when a young man (21) fell into a river and drowned yesterday morning in Atteridgeville West near Pretoria.

Tshwane Emergency Services Spokesperson, Deputy Chief Charles Mbaso, confirmed that an immediate search and recovery operation was implemented when the information was received this morning in the hope of finding the young man alive.

“Members of the South African police diving team, K-9 units and Tshwane Emergency Services participated in a search operation today. It is understood that the man fell into a river located on Church Street, Pretoria West, near a hardware store in Brazzaville,” said Mabaso.

It is reported that the young man fell into the river at 06:00 in the morning. He subsequently drowned while being swept away by the current.

Mabaso confirmed that emergency responders and police were able to locate the man but could not administer aid as they were too late, and the young man was declared dead on the scene.

“After hours of rigorous searching, we recovered the body of a 21-year-old man from the river in question at approximately 13:05. More will be communicated as we continue investigating the incident,” said Mabaso.

Though not confirmed Mabaso said the young man and a family friend were believed to have been engaged in religious practices when the fall took place. The police service is also investigating the matter to ensure foul play was not a factor.

Emergency services encouraged residents to be cautious around heavy streams, banks and rivers especially if they did not know how to swim, and to inform authorities immediately when incidents happen to avoid further fatalities.