News24 | Teen drowns in water-filled excavation at Limpopo mine

The body of a 14-year-old boy was recovered after he drowned in a water-filled excavation at Begasdorp Mine View in Limpopo.

Police in Limpopo have recovered the body of a 14-year-old boy who drowned in a water-filled excavation at Begasdorp Mine View in the Mopani District Municipality on Wednesday.

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said that, according to reports, the teenager was swimming with friends in the excavation when he drowned.

The excavation was allegedly dug by illegal miners and later filled with rainwater.

“A search-and-rescue operation was activated on the same day and resumed on Thursday,” he said.

“The body was recovered by the SAPS Search and Rescue Team, including the SAPS Water Wing Unit, assisted by Politsi K9.”

Ledwaba said divers recovered the body at a depth of about 5 metres.

Police have opened an inquest docket to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe conveyed her condolences to the bereaved family and cautioned communities, especially parents and guardians, to discourage children from swimming in any unauthorised water bodies, including abandoned or illegal mining excavations.

“These areas are extremely dangerous and pose a serious risk to life,” said Hadebe.

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