The young victim was swept away by fast-moving water while playing outdoors. She and friends were reportedly playing outside around 17:30 on Sunday afternoon (3/5) when she was swept by low current and drowned.

Police divers were called and later discovered her lifeless body, said North West community safety and transport management spokesperson Oshebeng Alpheus.

Persistent rainfall in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati district (including Vryburg, Schweizer-Reneke, and Reivilo) has caused widespread flooding, forcing the closure of key transport routes. The N14 between Vryburg and Kuruman remains shut due to dangerous water levels, while the N18 between Vryburg and Taung, which had also been closed, has since reopened and is drivable.

A number of villages have been severely affected by the floods, including Kgomotso, Madithamaga, Ga-Taote, Thota-ya-Tau, Spitskop, Mammutla, Kameelput, Choseng, Mokasa, Mokgareng, Matlapaneng, Qho!, Vaaltyn, Tamasikwa and Takaneng.

“The areas which were also inaccessible but were declared safe on Monday included Shaleng, Madipelesa, and Mountain View. Some local bridges have collapsed having been submerged for almost a week. These include the Mokgareng bridge on the road between Taung and Reivilo and in Shaleng village,” said Alpheus.

Authorities have also raised concern over motorists who continue to ignore road closures and safety warnings. “The challenge still being experienced on the N14 between Vryburg and Kuruman is that some motorists continue to ignore advisories and warning barricades, and some have even been threatening towards law enforcement officers.

“All these, unfortunately, with near catastrophic consequences. On several occasions, some of these incalcitrant motorists had been stranded midway in the water puddle and had to be rescued by law enforcement officers.”

Meanwhile, several learners attending weekend and incubation camps in Taung were unable to return home due to unsafe conditions. The North West department of education confirmed affected learners are safe and are being accommodated at host schools, with camps extended until travel conditions improve.

Damage to infrastructure, particularly bridges in rural villages, has made it difficult for many learners and teachers to commute. Education spokesperson Vuyo Mantshule stressed safety remained the priority.

“Principals have been instructed not to compel learners or staff to travel under risky conditions. No learner should attempt to cross flooded roads or damaged bridges.

“Schools are to activate recovery plans to make up for lost teaching and learning time once it is safe to resume. The district office will support schools with catch-up programmes.”

The department has urged parents and guardians to keep children at home where travel is unsafe and to remain in close communication with school authorities for further updates.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cvs

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