Man dies trying to cool himself down

It was hot day at Kriel when a group of people went for a swim at Vaalpan farm dam, but unfortunately all did not end well. One of them lost his life.

25-year-old Mphikeleli Jeffrey Masango lost his life at Vaalpan farm dam on November 29.

The incident happened on November 29 when 25-year-old Mphikeleli Jeffrey Masango woke up and went for a swim at the dam. His grandmother called him to go to the shop for her and when he returned he told his younger brother, 20-year-old Ayanda Masango that he was feeling hot and would like to go swim again. The siblings together with a group of people went ahead to have a refreshing time at the dam.

Jeffrey challenged the group of swimmers to swim up to half way through the dam. They did not agree to do it but he went ahead by himself reaching that stage.
Moments later the other guys swam back to the bank of the dam and he was still in the middle of the group.

“We saw his dreadlocks so we assumed all was still well and that he had no trouble,”

said Ayanda. But a few minutes later they saw his head disappear and there was no motion, which is when they realised there was a problem. They screamed for help and quickly called the police to come witness what happened. This was followed by divers who helped them carry the lifeless body out of the water.

“I still cannot believe he is gone, we were supposed to have a good time in the water and not one of us coming back with no heart beat,” said Ayanda.

Jeffrey is described by his mates as a man that was friendly and did not like to fight and that he was a peaceful and loving man.

“This place makes me sad as every time I see the dam I am reminded of the incident and wishes he could appear and come back to us. I will miss him so much. Not me alone but everyone who was close to him,” said a sad Ayanda.

Vaalpan farm dam where Mphikeleli Jeffrey Masango lost his life on November 29.

Police spokesperson Const. Lindiwe Sibanyoni advises the community to take care of themselves this festive season.

“We know it is hot but we urge community members to be safe at all times and play far away from the dams,” said Const. Sibanyoni.

Jeffrey was working at one of the mining companies. He was buried at Thubelihle on December 5; he leaves behind three siblings, a child, mother and grandparents.