The mayor of Musina, Cllr Mihloti Muhlope, has issued a strong warning to parents to keep a strict eye on their children when rivers are in flood. This comes after a 13-year-old boy, Gudani Kwinda of Tanda village, drowned in the Nwanedi River last Thursday.
The Nwanedi River separates the villages of Folovhodwe and Tanda. Gudani apparently went fishing with friends when he accidentally fell into the water and drowned.
When visiting the family on Friday, Muhlope said she was heartbroken that a beautiful young soul had been lost in a very painful manner. "This is a very unfortunate incident that will haunt the family and the local community forever," she said.
Local ward councillor Meltah Munzhelele, who visited the scene minutes after the young man had drowned, said she would never forget the heartbreaking incident. "I was doing community work when I received a call that a child has fallen into the water while fishing. I rushed to the scene and what I saw was very painful. At first, I couldn't believe what my eyes were seeing, but when people started to converge, I believed that it was really true. I still visualize Gudani's young lifeless body before it was taken away by members of the forensic team. The boy died a very painful death, but we believe that the Lord will comfort the grieving family during this difficult time."
Munzhelele's sentiments were echoed by the local community leader, Vhakoma Vho-Mashudu Maphekha. "This is one of the most painful accidents that ever happened in this village. We are really shattered and shocked by this unfortunate incident. Losing one villager has a very negative impact on us as a village," he said.
The deceased boy's grandmother, Ennie Kwinda, thanked the mayor, traditional leaders and other community members who had offered support. "We are weeping, but your presence makes us feel strong," she said.
Gudani's mother, Meki Kwinda, was unable to speak as she was in a state of devastation and shock. Funeral arrangements were still to be made as the family awaited post-mortem results at the time of our going to print.