Odendaalsrus police are investigating an Inquest following a drowning incident where an 11-year-old boy allegedly drowned at a construction site at K5 Section, in Kutlwanong, Odendaalsrus.
It is alleged that on Saturday, 2 August 2025, at approximately 15:30, Odendaalsrus police were summoned to a scene of drowning at Kutlwanong. On arrival at the scene, members were informed that three boys aged between 10 and 11 were allegedly swimming inside an excavation filled with wastewater. It is further alleged that while the three boys were swimming in the pit, they got stuck in the mud. Two of the boys, aged 10, managed to get out while the 11-year-old victim got stuck in the mud and ultimately drowned.
The Welkom SAPS diving unit, under the command of Sergeant Arno Cronje, was called to the scene. Together with the Matjhabeng Fire Department, members retrieved the deceased body from the sewage dump on Saturday evening at about 20:20.
The 11-year-old victim was declared dead on the scene by emergency services personnel. The deceased was identified by his next-of-kin.
Parents are urged to educate their children about water safety and the risks of swimming in dirty water.
