A fun-filled afternoon ended in tragedy when a Grade 9 learner from Kutama High School, 16-year-old Tshilidzi Manenzhe, drowned while swimming in a stream near Midoroni village on Monday, 27 April.
Manenzhe was one of three boys who went to the stream to cool off. An eyewitness said Tshilidzi was swept away moments after entering the water. When the other boys realised what was happening, they tried to rescue him, but the water was too deep and murky. Unable to help, they ran nearly three kilometres to inform their parents and other community members.
The family immediately contacted the police, who later recovered his body in deep water.
Tshilidzi’s elder brother, Ndifelani Manenzhe, blamed a contractor working on the road to Midoroni for failing to close access to the stream after excavating soil in the area.
Vhembe police spokesperson Captain Vuledzani Dathi said police are investigating the incident. He urged children to avoid playing near streams and riverbanks, or swimming in rivers and dams.
“Many smaller dams, streams, and rivers have filled up considerably after the recent heavy rains. Children often misjudge the depth of the water or the strength of the currents, leading to tragic drownings,” he said.
With rivers and streams continuing to overflow in the province, police expect more drownings as people seek relief in local water sources. Dathi said officers would soon embark on a campaign to visit local schools and warn learners about the dangers.
Thovhele Vele Kutama also cautioned children against playing near rivers, dams and streams. He urged parents to be vigilant and ensure their children stay away from potentially dangerous areas.
“As a matter of urgency, we will hold a community meeting to inform parents about the risks,” he said.
Tshilidzi Manenzhe will be buried on Saturday, 2 May, at Tshikhodobo. The service will start at 06:00.