THE name of a Zimbabwean man (27), who drowned after swimming in the Goedertrouw Dam on Friday afternoon, has not yet been released.
His body was recovered by divers from the SAPS Diving Unit on Saturday morning
The drowning is the subject of a police investigation, but according to the boat owner, the man was with him on the boat and asked to swim the last few metres to shore.
The skipper, knowing him to be a strong swimmer, cut the motors and the man dived off the boat and started swimming.
The skipper suddenly heard the man calling and saw him with his hand in the air.
He dived into the water, as did others who saw what was happening, but they were unable to reach the man in time as he quickly disappeared under the surface.
The SAPS were contacted and they started their search on Friday afternoon, calling it off at 7.30pm.
They returned to the scene on Saturday and after a search using rescue dog, Sirus handled by W/O Nico Gouws, the divers went in and the man’s body was recovered at around 11am.
The skipper believes the man must have ‘cramped-up’ in the cold water and was unable to move.
They have been on many trips together, including to Mtunzini beach where the man has swum with no difficulties in the past.
5 OCTOBER
Body found in dam
THE body of a 27-year-old man was removed from the Goedetrouw Dam (Lake Phobane) by SAPS divers this morning (Saturday).
It is suspected he drowned while swimming in the dam on Friday afternoon.
Police divers searched until 7.30pm on Friday and resumed their search this morning. The body was found at 11am.
Update to follow
