As rains continue to drench many provinces, Phalala river in Ga-Seleka has swollen dangerously, threatening to flood low-lying communities.
Facebook Local news source Tsa Lephalale the Legacy reports a tragic incident involving a Grade R pupil from Ga Monare, who was swept away by the fierce currents of the overflowing river.
Disturbingly, there are also unverified accounts of another drowning near Viana, near to Marken.
Residents living near the riverbanks are on high alert, urged to keep a vigilant eye on their children and prevent them from approaching the perilous waters.
The force of the Phalala river is substantial enough to carry away anyone in its path, making caution imperative.
In a related concern, the Mogol River bridge near Mamojela informal settlement also faces the threat of flooding, bringing significant risk to farmers who rely on this route.
Compounding the danger, the area is known to host crocodiles, heightening fears for those who traverse the bridge.
The recent tragedies serve as a grim reminder of the area’s dangers.
On New Year’s Day, two young boys and an adult drowned in the Phalala river at Ga-Seleka.
While police divers and emergency personnel were able to recover two bodies, they had to abandon their search for 10-year-old Thapelo Maropola due to the presence of aggressive hippos.
This alarming trend of water-related incidents has raised concerns among local authorities.
Earlier in February 2024, a 10-year-old boy was attacked by a crocodile and vanished under the river’s surface, while an 18-year-old narrowly escaped a similar fate during a swim and required hospitalization for his injuries.
Limpopo Police Commissioner Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe has emphasized the urgent need for parents and local residents to heed warnings about the dangers lurking in the Phalala and Limpopo rivers, both of which are known habitats for crocodiles and hippos.
As the rainy season progresses, community members must remain vigilant and take proactive measures to safeguard their families.
The safety and well-being of children should always be the top priority, especially in these wildlife-prone areas.
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