A pit that was dug behind the Bochum Shopping Centre that was filled with water after the recent heavy rainfalls, claimed the lives of two boys aged nine and 10 years, after they apparently decided to go for a swim in Senwabarwana on Saturday.
The Capricorn District Municipality (CDM) disaster management unit and the police’s diving squad were unable to retrieve the children’s bodies on Saturday, forcing them to return on Sunday to do so. CDM’s fire department assisted by pumping the water out of the pit.
According to information there were three boys swimming. One of the boys managed to get out of the pit and alerted someone that his friends were in trouble.
CDM mayor, Lawrence Mapoulo, said he was deeply concerned about this incident. He said he had requested the company responsible for digging the pit to close the hole immediately. “I am deeply worried because other children might also want to swim there and more lives could be lost,” he said.
He urged people, especially parents, to ensure they knew their children’s whereabouts at all times.
CDM will provide counselling to the surviving child and the bereaved families, while Blouberg municipal officials have already visited the families.
