POLICE INVESTIGATE AN INQUEST FOLLOWING THE DROWNING OF A BOY AT KWENA DAM, LYDENBURG

Nelspruit: 27 October 2025 – Police in Lydenburg are investigating an inquest case following the tragic drowning of a 10-year-old boy at Kwena Dam on Sunday, 26 October 2025, at about 15:30.According to information received, upon arrival at the scene, police found that the boy had already been certified dead by paramedics.

The boy’s mother, Mrs. Dipolelo Baadjie, informed police that the family had been fishing and relaxing at the dam when the incident occurred. The children were reportedly playing near the water when she heard them screaming for help. The boy’s father managed to rescue one of the children; however, another child, identified as Moeketsi Baadjie (10), unfortunately drowned.Divers from the SAPS K9 Units in Lydenburg and White River responded and successfully retrieved the body at approximately 17:30.

As the festive season approaches, police continue to urge members of the public to remain vigilant, supervise children closely near bodies of water, and refrain from consuming alcohol while visiting rivers and dams. During this period, several drowning incidents are often reported, many of which could be prevented through caution and awareness.

The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and commended the diving team for their swift response and dedication. The Commissioner further urged community members to always exercise safety precautions when visiting areas with open water.