Tragic Drownings and Sewage Incident Claim Five Lives in Gauteng

In a sobering reminder of the dangers lurking in both leisure and work environments, the Gauteng community has been struck by two separate incidents that claimed the lives of five individuals. SAPS Ekurhuleni Water Policing and Diving Services, alongside K9 Search and Rescue, demonstrated exceptional skill and bravery in the face of peril during these tragic events.

On the late Sunday afternoon of 27 October 2024, the serene atmosphere at Natalspruit River, a stone's throw from Kaunda Street, was shattered when two boys, amidst a jovial group of peers, disappeared beneath the surface. The alarm was raised, and specialized divers were promptly dispatched to the scene. After a harrowing 30-minute search, submerged within the murky depths of three metres, the lifeless bodies of the young victims were retrieved and entrusted to the concerned Zonkizizwe SAPS for further investigation.

Barely two days later, on the morning of 29 October, an equally distressing scenario unfolded. Three workers from a plumbing company met a harrowing fate beneath the streets of Benoni. The men reportedly entered a sewage drainage manhole the previous evening and failed to resurface, leading to an urgent call to the Ekurhuleni Water Policing and Diving Services. The complexity of the operation became evident as efforts to drain the manhole proved insufficient, presenting a hazardous environment brimming with methane and potential suction forces that made entry extraordinarily risky.

Yet, innovation and determination prevailed. An ingenious use of an improvised tool allowed the recovery team to locate and eventually raise the victims to the sewage surface level. Under the vigilant supervision of Warrant Officer Chris Swanepoel, a meticulous recovery plan was executed. Assembled above the manhole, a tripod rig served as the pivotal point from which Warrant Officers Martin Bann and Len Willemse alternated descents into the abyss, decked in protective hazard suits and breathing gear, to bring the victims to the embrace of the surface world.

The Benoni SAPS took custody of the remains, their duty to delve into the circumstances surrounding the deaths just beginning. Meanwhile, heartfelt gratitude was extended to all participants for their unwavering support and collaboration in securing the recovery of the victims.

As inquiries continue, and inquest dockets remain open, the Gauteng community is grappling with the harsh realities underscored by these events. Authorities are urging anyone holding valuable information to step forward and assist by reaching out to the relevant SAPS stations or Crime Stop at 08600 10111.