Police sends stern warning to residents, as heavy rains takes toll in FS

Free State police, particularly in Lejweleputswa district have urged communities living near rivers or streams not to attempt crossing to the other side while under the influence of any substance or just tempted to take such a risk.

Several drownings were reported due to heavy rains last year, which culminated to death of seven people, that involves around residents, children and priests.

The police in the district have warned residents to be cautious as the entire province, is experiencing heavy rains which lead to quarries and dams full of water.

“When it’s hot children just got in the water and swim which mostly lead to disasters,” said Lejweleputswa media liaison officer captain Stephen Thakeng.

In Bronville , two brothers drowned,, while in Bothaville a priest with his congregant drowned. And in Virginia , two children drowned.

“On the 12 January 2022 at about 15:46 Winburg SAPS was informed about a male person who thrown himself inside the quarry dam in a open veld in Makeleletla Winburg,” said captain Thakeng.

“On arrival of Winburg SAPS members, they instantly activated Diving Unit and Welkom K9 Unit members.

“The following members responded to the scene : Constable Mojabeng Molefe – Welkom K9 Unit, Sergeant Mothae Tsokolibane – Bloemfontein Diving Unit, Sergeant Johan Coetzer , Warrant Officer Johan Kaalsen, Warrant Officer Johannes Holtzhauzen – Welkom K9 Unit and the entire team was led by Lt Col. Conrad Fouche,” added captain Thakeng.

“According to primary investigation, this adult person was under the influence of liquor when he jumped inside the water and he drowned.

“The search of the deceased was conducted, found and retrieved from the quarry full of water,” revealed captain Thakeng.

“Parents are sternly warned to know the whereabouts of their children, when children get bored or feel hot, they want to swim,” warned the police.

“Thus we warn them not to swim or enter inside these waters clustered in the open veld as a results of these heavy rains, it’s dangerous especially if people cannot swim.

“Priests are sternly warned to avoid baptizing their congregants in dams full of water, and these actions must be stopped instantly,” cautioned the police.