In a heartbreaking incident, two young boys, aged nine and 14, drowned in the Ngwaritsi River in the Sekhukhune District of Limpopo on Sunday, 17 November. The boys had ventured out to fish when the tragic event unfolded.
According to police reports, the boys were walking towards the river when the 14-year-old entered the water first. Struggling to swim, he tragically drowned. His younger companion, the nine-year-old, bravely attempted to save him but was also overcome by the strong current. The third boy, who had been with them, was stopped from jumping into the river by a woman who was bathing nearby. Her cries for help alerted the community to the distressing situation.
Limpopo police spokesperson, Malesela Ledwaba, confirmed that the Masemola police station in the Sekhukhune District had opened two inquest dockets following the incident.
On Monday, 18 November, Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality Mayor, Merah Mahlase, visited the grieving families to offer support. “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of the Seropo and Ramphoro families. The Seropo child was a pupil at Kudu Tseke Primary, and the Ramphoro child was in Grade 8 at Phoroane Secondary. We extend our heartfelt condolences and urge the community to exercise greater caution, especially with high water levels in rivers. We are committed to providing the families with psychosocial support and assistance with funeral arrangements,” said Mayor Mahlase.
This tragedy has also drawn attention from children’s rights advocates. Dikgang Morudu, President of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Parliament, expressed his sorrow and frustration, stating that incidents like this highlight the urgent need for safer environments for children. “We are saddened by this incident and continue to urge the government to take action to ensure the safety of our children,” Morudu said.
As the community mourns, this incident serves as a somber reminder of the dangers of open water and the importance of vigilance and safety, particularly in rural areas where children often spend time near rivers and streams.
