The family of a 14-year-old boy are mourning the tragic death of their son, after he had drowned in the Lemana Dam at Magangeni village.
Ntwanano Maluleke, a Grade 7 pupil at Elim Primary School, had allegedly left his home at the Vari section of Ha-Mutonga with his two friends last Saturday. They got to the dam and started to swim. At this stage, what exactly happened is not known, but Ntwanano drowned.
Members of the community alerted the police, who then swiftly reacted and started with the search operation. The boy's body was later retrieved.
The provincial police's spokesperson, Col Moatshe Ngoepe, said that the police in the province were reiterating a call to all members of the community to be extremely careful around the dams and rivers, especially during this rainy season.
"Parents must improve child safety at all times to prevent these tragedies from occurring," he said. "We have opened an inquest docket on this incident and the police's investigations are continuing."
The deceased's parents, Mr John Maluleke and Ms Precious Ndou, expressed their sadness about the death of their son. "We take solace in the fact that he had graced this earth and touched our lives with his love and a beautiful smile," said Mr Maluleke.
Ntwanano will be laid to rest at Vari and the funeral will start at 06:00.