Two Limpopo boys drown in Ngwaritsi River, Sekhukhune
Two boys drowned in the Ngwaritsi River on Sunday, while a third boy was saved by a woman bathing nearby who stopped him from getting into the river.
LIMPOPO – The Masemola police in the Sekhukhune District have opened two inquest dockets following after two boys drowned in the Ngwaritsi River on Sunday.
Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said three boys, aged nine to 14 were walking towards the river wanting to fish.
“Reports suggest the youngest boy insisted on going home but the oldest boy insisted on getting fish. The 14-year-old got into the water, struggled to swim and drowned,” his statement read.
One of the remaining boys tried to assist but failed and also drowned.
“The third boy was stopped from entering the river by a screaming woman who was bathing nearby. The community responded and eventually managed to retrieve the two floating bodies from the river,” Ledwaba said.
The victims were certified dead on the scene by emergency services and the circumstances surrounding the incident will form part of an investigation.
“An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death.”
The provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe urged parents and guardians to exercise extra care for their children’s safety to avoid these unexpected events.
“Parents and guardians are advised not to leave their children swimming unsupervised,” Ledwaba concluded.
