Organisation tells community to be vigilant as Wellas River in eMbalenhle overflows
The Men’s Voice organisation in eMbalenhle is concerned about children risking their lives by swimming in dangerous waters.
The recent heavy rain caused the river passing through eMbalenhle, the Welas River, to overflow, yet some children still wanted to use this opportunity to swim.
A nine-year-old boy’s body was found in the river on the morning of January 8. He allegedly drowned on January 7 while playing with friends next to the river.
The community, the eMbalenhle SAPS and Delta 1 Rescue Diving searched for the child but did not find him. Cattle herders alerted the community about the body floating in the river. The body was removed and taken by the government pathologist.
The Men’s Voice organisation in eMbalenhle is concerned about children risking their lives by swimming in dangerous rivers like the Welas.
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The organisation warned residents that the Welas River is overflowing and dangerous to children, pedestrians taking shortcuts instead of using bridges and residents living in informal settlements built on the river banks below the flood line.
Doctor Thanjekwayo, the organisation’s co-ordinator, said they want the community to take the climate issue seriously and take the necessary precautions.
“We appeal to our community to be extra vigilant as the heavy rain continues; everyone saw how high the Welas River was. It is concerning to see water nearly reaching those shacks on the flood line.
“We also appeal to parents to look after their children because we have already lost one child. We understand that children are children, but let us safeguard them,” said Thanjekwayo.
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