15-Year-Old Drowns While Trying to Cross River in North West
Family Mourns Tragic Loss
A family in Ruigtesloot Village, North West, is grieving after the tragic drowning of 15-year-old Sbonelo Khawula. His grandmother, Nomsa Khawula (62), is devastated by the loss, struggling to come to terms with his passing.
- According to Sbonelo’s aunt, Stella Dlamini (46), Nomsa was heartbroken and even found it difficult to see his body after it was recovered.
Drowning Incident in Marapo-a-Thutlwa River
Sbonelo, a Grade 9 pupil at Thulare High School in Lebotlwane, had been trying to return home after spending the night at a friend’s house. On Monday, March 3, heavy rainfall had made crossing the river impossible, forcing him to seek shelter with a friend.
The following day, March 4, the school bus was unable to fetch students due to poor road conditions. Determined to get home, Sbonelo and his friends attempted to cross the Marapo-a-Thutlwa River.
“The kids were swimming when Sbonelo accidentally jumped into the deep end. His friends tried to save him, but he drowned,” said Stella.
Community members later retrieved his body from the river, leaving the village in shock and mourning.
Community Devastated by Tragedy
Stella expressed the deep sorrow felt by the community, describing Sbonelo as a well-behaved and promising young boy.
“It’s painful to lose someone so young. He had his whole future ahead of him,” she said.
Isaac Pitseng, a tribal clerk from the Tsoga-o-itirele Community Authority, echoed her sentiments.
“We are heartbroken by this loss. If the roads were better, this might not have happened,” he said, pointing out the dire state of infrastructure in the area.
Poor Infrastructure Blamed
Ward 1 Councillor Andrew Zimba also expressed his condolences and highlighted the severe impact of poor roads in the village.
“The family couldn’t even see his body immediately after it was retrieved because the roads were too muddy and difficult to navigate,” Zimba said.
Moretele Municipality spokesperson Mothupi Malebye confirmed that the collapsed bridges at Thulare High School and Ruigtesloot have severely affected not only schools but also local businesses and essential services.
Police Investigation Underway
North West police spokeswoman Colonel Adéle Myburgh confirmed that an inquest has been opened following the recovery of Sbonelo’s body.
“Bedwang police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the drowning,” she stated.
The community continues to mourn this devastating loss, while local leaders call for urgent action to improve infrastructure and prevent further tragedies.
