News24 | Tragedy at Kwena Dam: 10-year-old drowns during family fishing trip

A Sunday family fishing trip at the Kwena Dam in Lydenburg, Mpumalanga, turned tragic when 10-year-old Moeketsi Baadjie drowned.

A Sunday fishing trip turned into a tragedy when a 10-year-old boy drowned at the Kwena Dam in Lydenburg (Mashishing), Mpumalanga.

According to the police, the boy’s mother reported that the family had been fishing and relaxing at the dam when she heard screams coming from the children who were playing near the water.

“The boy’s father managed to rescue one of the children; however, another child, identified as Moeketsi Baadjie, 10, unfortunately drowned,” said police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane.

She added divers from the K9 units in Lydenburg and White River successfully retrieved his body at approximately 17:30. The boy was certified dead by paramedics at the scene.

Ndubane said the police were investigating the incident.

“As the festive season approaches, police continue to urge members of the public to remain vigilant, supervise children closely near bodies of water, and refrain from consuming alcohol while visiting rivers and dams,” she added.

“During this period, several drowning incidents are often reported, many of which could be prevented through caution and awareness.”

Provincial police commissioner Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and commended the diving team for their swift response and dedication.

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Mkhwanazi urged the public always to exercise precaution when visiting areas with open water.