Two young girls drown in Limpopo

Two young girls, aged between 8 and 9, tragically drowned in the Molomahlapi River at Butswana Village, Maruleng Local Municipality in Limpopo last week Friday. 

According to preliminary investigations, the girls were playing near the river when they were swept away and drowned. Emergency services were alerted, and search and recovery operations continued into the evening. 

ALSO READ: SANDF member dies in New Year’s Day drowning incident

Maruleng Mayor, Cllr Tsheko Musolwa, expressed deep sadness over the incident and extended his appreciation to emergency teams, community members and the local councillor who assisted during the search efforts. He said their commitment and support during the difficult operation were commendable.

Mayor Musolwa noted that the tragedy once again highlights the serious dangers posed by unsupervised activities near open bodies of water, including rivers and ponds that are not designated for recreation. 

ALSO READ: MEC Makamu saddened by third drowning death in Waterberg

The municipality has urged parents, guardians and young people to exercise extreme caution when near water sources, especially during the rainy season when river levels rise rapidly.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends and the broader community during this painful time,” said Musolwa.