The body of an 18-year-old boy was tragically recovered from the Klipvalley River in Soweto after the teenager drowned while attempting to cross the river.
Klipvalley River search for teenager concludes: Here’s everything we know
The teenager, aged 18, drowned in the Klipvalley River following an unsuccessful attempt to cross it, on Tuesday.
Johannesburg EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi reported that the teenager slipped and fell into the river, which was overflowing due to recent heavy rains, on Tuesday.
The EMS Aquatic Rescue Unit, along with the police, responded to the incident in the afternoon.
Despite their efforts, the search had to be resumed on Wednesday morning when the teenager’s body was eventually found.
Mulaudzi emphasised the importance of public awareness, especially urging young boys and girls to stay away from rivers during this period.
Increased water levels in rivers across Johannesburg, caused by torrential weather conditions, have posed a danger to minors and adults who can’t swim.
This week alone, the EMS team was inundated with alerts about several rain-related incidents, including a woman who fell into a water drain in Soweto, on Tuesday.
In light of the recent incidents, Mulaudzi urged residents, particularly in low-lying areas, to take precautions such as draining water off their properties and avoiding crossing streams amid the heavy rains.