ALARMING DROWNING INCIDENTS

NW – Police in the North West expressed their concern over an increase in the number of drowning incidents. In October and November 2020 alone, the North West police attended to four drowning incidents.

The police recovered the body of a 24-year-old male on Wednesday 28 October, after he allegedly fell into the Tontonyane dam and drowned. In two other unrelated incidents that occurred in Mmabatho on Sunday 1 November and Monday 2 November, the police recovered the bodies of two men who drowned. It is alleged that the men drowned after the water swept them away as they were attempting to cross a stream. In another incident, which occurred on Thursday 5 November at Hartbeespoort dam, police recovered the body of a 30-year-old male after he allegedly slipped off a rock into the dam and drowned.

“When swimming, never swim alone. Also, ensure that the water depth is appropriate for swimming and diving,” police spokesperson colonel Adéle Myburgh advised.  “Never dive into muddy or unclear water. Before entering the water, always check the strength of the current. When caught in a fast-flowing river, travel feet first, this will protect the head and body from serious injury.”