The Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Sipho Hlomuka has warned residents across the province to exercise extreme caution when approaching large bodies of water.
This warning from the MEC, comes following three incidents that were reported yesterday in the Jozini Municipality where three people are believed to have drowned. In the first incident two boys aged 8 and 9 in Othobothini drowned when they were swimming in the local river. In the second incident in Ndumo a 30-year-old male is believed to have drowned while attempting to cross a river. Both incidents are still being investigated by the police.
Cogta MEC has expressed his concern at these incidents and has appealed to parents to ensure that children are not left unattended near large bodies of water. Hlomuka has also warned residents to not cross rivers but instead to use safer options.
“We are concerned with the reports that we have received and want to appeal to all residents to continue to be vigilant. Large bodies of water are very dangerous and one must not attempt to cross a river since the strength of the current could be very strong” said Hlomuka.
Hlomuka has dispatched disaster management teams to the affected families to provided interim relief.