Drowning at Mtubatuba waterworks dam and pump station
The time of the drowning is uncertain as the boy, who lives on the outskirts of KwaMsane on the other side of the N2, was allegedly alone at the pump station dam on the Mfolozi River
AFTER the drowning of an 11-year-old boy on Saturday at the Mtubatuba waterworks dam and pump station, police are conducting an intensive investigation into the incident, including why the area was not secured with a fence or other barrier.
The time of the drowning is uncertain as the boy, who lives on the outskirts of KwaMsane on the other side of the N2, was allegedly alone at the pump station dam on the Mfolozi River.
‘We have opened a drowning docket, but the post-mortem will determine the cause of death,’ said Mtubatuba SAPS Communications Officer, Captain Justice Hlabisa.
‘We are also conducting an intensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the drowning, like why the waterworks pump station dam is open for anyone to swim or fish in.’
Hlabisa said investigating officers are interviewing all parties concerned, including the uMkhanyakude District Municipality which is ultimately responsible for water and sanitation in the district.
‘We assume if there had been someone on duty at the pump station, the drowning would not have occurred.’
He said that if the municipality cannot erect a fence around the area in question, they must at least appoint 24-hour security guards to ensure this does not happen again.
‘We do have a notice board warning the community against swim in the river,’ said uMkhanyakude District Municipality spokesperson, Mdu Dlamini.
‘We are deeply saddened about the loss this family has suffered.’
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