Publications
Partners
Two learners from different schools in Ngqeleni drowned while they were trying to cross two rivers, both were coming from school when these incidents happened yesterday, October 16.
Police spokesperson, Captain Welile Matyolo confirmed that in the first incident, a girl learner (20) from Pangalele Senior Secondary School (SSS) drowned in the Ngxangxasini River at the Dlaka location at about 11:30.
“Her body has not yet been recovered, and Ngqeleni police have summoned K9 divers from East London to search. In another incident, it is alleged that another girl learner (17) from Mayibenye Junior Secondary School (JSS) drowned at about 12:00 in the Phompo River at Maqebevu locality while also going home from school.
"Her body was recovered, and police have opened an inquest,” said Matyolo.
Nyandeni Local Municipality Mayor, Viwe Ndamase, urges communities with areas affected by floods due to heavy rains reported by the South African Weather Services to exercise caution and be extra vigilant.
OR Tambo District Municipality Mayor, Mesuli Ngqondwana is sending heartfelt condolences to families that have lost their loved ones following yesterday’s heavy rains in various parts of the district.
OR Tambo District Municipality spokesperson, Zimkhita Macingwane confirmed that three people ( a learner from Nkumandeni locality (17), another girl learner (14) from Maqebevu locality and a pregnant woman) have lost their lives in separate incidents. She said the pregnant mother and her child also succumbed to injuries after a house fell on them at Rainy village outside Libode.
“The Disaster and Risk Management teams remain on high alert, and incidents can be reported on 047 501 6494/047 501 6584,” said Macingwane.
