Central SA
Concerns over more drownings in Matjhabeng─── KEKELETSO MOSEBETSI 11:43 Thu, 02 Mar 2023
More concerns have been raised over the increasing incidence of drownings at the Matjhabeng Local Municipality in the Free State.
A Grade 5 learner of Moso Primary School in Hennenman has drowned when allegedly swimming in a hole flooded by heavy rains.
According to the police's provincial spokesperson, Stephen Thakeng, the 12-year-old boy, Kabelo Patrick Jonas, who was identified by his grandfather Snyman Jonas, was swimming with four other minors in a dam of water caused by recent heavy rains in the Maditjhakane section, Phomolong, Hennenman, on 23 February 2023 at about 17:20.
He explained the deceased allegedly got stuck in the mud after jumping into the water. One of the residents, who became aware of the incident, took out the body and he was certified dead by the Emergency Medical Services.
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Thakeng appealed to parents to ensure that they know the whereabouts of their children and further called on parents to issue a stern warning to their children to avoid clustered waters areas, especially in open spaces or residential areas that are dug for construction or repairs of burst pipes. He says an inquest has been registered for further investigations. The spokesperson of Matjhabeng Local Municipality, Tshediso Tlali says that they are saddened by the incidents and further revealed that the municipality also sent their team to the area for investigations.
