Durban – Tragedy struck in Ntuzuma on Saturday afternoon when seven-year-old Thabaleng Mofokeng went missing while swimming in the Umgeni River.
The boy, a student at Thobele Primary School in Newlands West, had been visiting family for the holidays.
According to Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), the incident occurred at approximately 14:00, when Thabaleng reportedly disappeared while swimming with friends. His father alerted authorities, prompting an immediate response.
RUSA officers were dispatched to assist in the search and recovery. “Due to the scene being inaccessible by vehicles, our officers walked approximately two kilometres to reach the location,” RUSA said. A helicopter and additional Search & Rescue resources were on standby during the operation.
Update: On Sunday, Search & Rescue units successfully recovered the body of Thabaleng Mofokeng. RUSA confirmed the recovery, stating, “Our team worked diligently to locate Thabaleng, and sadly, the body has now been found.”
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community. Family, friends, and residents are mourning the loss of the young student, while authorities continue to stress water safety during holiday periods.
Thobaleng’s father reportedly told authorities that the boy had been enjoying his holiday with friends before the tragic accident. RUSA’s statement underlined the challenges faced during the recovery: “The terrain was extremely difficult, but our Search & Rescue teams persevered to bring closure to the family.”
No further details on the official cause of death have been released, though the drowning is presumed to have occurred during swimming activities.
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Picture: Facebook/RUSA
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
