With heavy rains pouring over Vhembe since the beginning of the year, normally calm streams and rivers have turned into dangerous traps. Several drownings have already occurred, prompting warnings, particularly for children, to stay away from the water.
On Saturday, 4 January, two boys, Mukutsuri Baloyi (15) from Xifaxani and Jacob Maluleke (16) from Ximixoni village, drowned in the Luvuvhu River near Xikundu in Malamulele.
A group of eight children had reportedly gone swimming in the river when two were swept away by the strong current. The incident occurred a day after heavy rainfall, which had caused the river to swell. Police divers were dispatched to the scene and recovered the boys' bodies.
Mukutsuri's father, Ntsako Baloyi, said the family was struggling to come to terms with their loss. "What we heard is that my son slipped and drowned along with the other child. My son was quiet and well behaved. We are heartbroken. He had just progressed to Grade 8, and we were looking forward to a bright future for him," he said.
Ward councillor Joseph Mabasa described the incident as a painful reminder of the dangers of swimming in rivers, especially 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," Mabasa said.
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 such as the Phalala and Limpopo, which are infested with dangerous crocodiles and hippopotamuses. These rivers become even more treacherous during heavy rains," Hadebe said.
The boys were laid to rest on Saturday, 11 January.