| Police investigate inquests following two separate drowning incidents | |
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| Date Published: | 2026/01/27 |
| Description Details: | |
Media Statement NELSPRUIT - The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga is investigating an inquest following an incident in which a 42-year-old man drowned in the Sithobela River at Holeka, Hartebeeskop. According to reports, the incident occurred at approximately 15:00 on Monday, 26 January 2026. It is alleged that the deceased was performing a spiritual cleansing ritual when he entered the flowing river and failed to resurface. The SAPS Diving Unit, together with the local municipal Fire and Rescue Services, was summoned to the scene and successfully retrieved the body. The deceased was later identified as Lucky Fanyana Shongwe, and his next of kin were informed. Meanwhile, in a separate incident that occurred at the KaMambedla River in Esperado, Lows Creek, at about 13:00 on the same day, police received a report of a man who was swept away by strong water currents while attempting to cross the river. According to a witness, five men were trying to cross the river when the incident occurred. The SAPS Search and Rescue Team, including the K9 Unit, was immediately dispatched to the scene. One of the men, Adriaan Jerry Makhubela, is still missing, and search operations are ongoing. The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has issued a stern warning to community members to remain extremely vigilant around rivers. The public is urged not to underestimate the dangers posed by water; as such environments can be extremely hazardous and life-threatening. Ends
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X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/SAPoliceService | |
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