Limpopo teen’s (14) body retrieved from Ritavi river
The Gr 7 learner Nkanelo Hlungwani was swept away in the Ritavi river and his body retrieved by SAPS divers the following day.
LIMPOPO – The provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe is pleading with parents and guardians to ensure that children do not play in overflowing rivers.
Hadebe says not only is it a dangerous practice, but it may lead to unintended results, especially during periods of heavy rain.
Her remarks follow the retrieval of a 14-year-old boy’s body from the Ritavi river on Saturday (January 11) by SAPS divers.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Thakeng says the deceased and his four friends went to the river on Friday to view the water before deciding to cross to the other side and return shortly after.
“The victim was swept away upon return to the bank they arrived at. SAPS Divers were summoned to the scene and the body was retrieved the following day,” his statement read.
The deceased was identified by next of kin at the crime scene as Nkanelo Hlungwani, a grade seven learner residing at Ngove village.
The Giyani police have since opened an inquest docket.
