With recent heavy rains across much of the province, including Vhembe, normally calm streams and rivers have become dangerous deathtraps. Several drownings have already occurred, prompting warnings—especially for children—to stay clear of the water.
Last week, the Limpopo Mirror reported the drowning of 17-year-old Mpho Mutshinyani, a Grade 9 learner at Ozias Davhana Secondary School. He drowned in a water-filled mining pit at Mpheni on 26 January.
Tragedy struck again on 28 January with the drowning of 16-year-old high school learner Akonisaho Gift Maiwashe of Nthabalala. He drowned while swimming with friends, who did not notice when he got into trouble.
Community member Mr Samuel Baloyi said the community was struggling to come to terms with Maiwashe’s death, describing it as a painful reminder of the dangers of swimming in rivers, particularly during the rainy season.
“This is not the first tragedy of this nature. As leaders, we continuously advise children not to swim in rivers, particularly at this time of year,” Baloyi said. “What we heard is that the boy slipped and drowned,” he added.
Limpopo police commissioner Lt-Gen Thembi Hadebe issued a stern warning to parents and residents. “Parents and residents are strongly advised not to allow their children to swim in or cross rivers and streams, which are infested with dangerous crocodiles and hippopotamuses. These rivers become even more treacherous during heavy rains,” Hadebe said.