Two young boys witnessed the tragic drowning of their friend recently, after the trio went for a dip to cool off.

Likhusele Madikizela (7) and his friends were swimming in an uncovered, water-filled hole in Emadengeni, KwaSokhulu, outside Richards Bay.

It is alleged that the water hazard was a result of a pipe repair operation by Richards Bay Minerals (RBM).

The grieving father, Mvuselelo Mdletshe (35) said they were made aware of the tragedy when one of the boys returned home carrying Likhusele’s clothes – a sight that immediately alarmed the family.

“When my brother asked the child where Likhusele was, he started crying and refused to speak. Eventually, he told him they had been swimming in a small dam and that my son had drowned. It was a traumatic thing for him to witness,” said Mdletshe.

He described his son as a respectful and bright child who excelled at school and had a promising future.

Mdletshe said breaking the news to the boy’s mother, who lives in the Eastern Cape, was the most painful part.

“It felt like it was my fault. As an unemployed person, I now have to find the means to arrange transport for his mother to come to KZN for the funeral,” said Mdletshe.

Investigations under way

RBM confirmed the incident near the Sokhulu Linkstation, stating, “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the family and community impacted by this tragedy.

“The SAPS and the Department of Mineral Resources and Petroleum [DMRP] have commenced investigations, and we are fully cooperating with authorities while offering support to the bereaved family.”

RBM added that it has also launched an internal investigation.

“We remain committed to upholding the highest standards of safety across all our operations and within our host communities. As the investigation is ongoing, we are unable to comment further at this stage.”

While he acknowledged RBM’s response since the incident, Mdletshe believes the tragedy could have been avoided.

“They should have barricaded the area or placed someone there to monitor it. It seems their main concern is guarding their heavy machinery, not the safety of the community. The open hole is less than a kilometre from people’s homes – that alone should have been enough reason to make it secure,” he said.

In a sad moment, community members, friends and family bade their final farewell to young Likhusele as he was laid to rest last Wednesday at his home.

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