Teen’s body recovered after he slipped and drowned in a stream

Johannesburg’s search and rescue team has recovered the body of a teenage boy who  slipped and drowned in a stream in the Paddavlei section in Kliptown.

According to emergency management services (EMS) spokesperson, Robert Mulaudzi, the search for the missing body began at around 5pm on Tuesday, however, it was called off due to safety concerns. Efforts to retrieve the teenager resumed on Wednesday morning.

Mulaudzi said the boy, who is presumed to be 18 years old, was trying to cross the river when he fell into the stream.

“If you look at the river stream, it looks like there is a rock, so he was trying to cross the river from one side to another. Residents around the area are telling us that they normally cross here,” he said. 

Mulaudzi urged residents who live close to rivers to be vigilant, especially during the summer season.

“These types of incidents happen throughout the year but it is worse in the summer when there is a lot of rainfall. We always tell residents about the importance of looking after themselves during the summer season because we are told that we will still receive a lot of rainfall throughout the holidays. 

“We will make sure that most of our vulnerable communities and informal settlements are educated about safety,” he said.

The boy’s family is yet to confirm his identity.

ratsatsik@sowetan.co.za