An elderly woman, Ms Selinah Rambau (70), originally from Shirley village and residing in Mpheni Block D2, drowned while crossing the Mudzwiridi River at about 07:15 on Friday, 24 April. The incident occurred while she was visiting her daughter in Makhakhe village.
Reports state that she was crossing from the Khamusi section when she slipped and fell into the river. Residents said the crossing is widely used despite the risks, as there is no bridge. They believe this is the third fatal incident involving an elderly person at the same river.
A witness, who was among the first to arrive at the scene, said he was called by children who had been playing soccer nearby.
“The boys said they tried to rescue her, but she kept slipping and eventually drowned. They were afraid they would also drown, so they went to call me. We went to the river, found her in the water and then called the police,” he said.
“What is sad is that this is not the first incident. It is now the third time someone has fallen and drowned here because there is no bridge,” said the witness.
The woman’s body was later found with injuries to her mouth and eyes. Some residents have raised concerns about the circumstances of her death. Her youngest son, Lazarose Raphala, described her as a caring mother.
“We are still in shock about how she died. We will remember her as a friendly mother who had love for everyone,” he said.
Emergency medical services and forensic teams attended the scene. The body was taken to Elim Forensic Mortuary for a post-mortem examination.
Vhembe police spokesperson Captain Vuledzani Dathi said Waterval police are investigating the incident, adding that no foul play is suspected at this stage.
Anyone who could shed more light on what happened on that fateful day is urged to phone Sergeant Mulaudzi on 083 990 3134.