The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gauteng has revealed that its Water Policing and Diving Services recovered 28 bodies from various locations across the province during the festive season.
Heavy rains and flooding
The Gauteng Water Police recovered a total of 28 bodies between December 2024 and 19 January 2025.
The recovered bodies included murder victims, alleged illegal fishermen, individuals swept away by strong currents, and people who drowned while playing in rivers or living in storm water drains. There were also incidents involving workers drowning in swimming pools.
The festive season saw a surge in rescue and recovery operations due to heavy rains and flooding, according to the SAPS statement. Incidents occurred across numerous locations, including Vaal Dam, Klip River, and the Klein Jukskei River.
Each December, members are deployed on a daily basis at Bronkhorstspruit Dam, Roodeplaat Dam, as well as Vaal Dam and River while being on standby for any incidents that may occur across Gauteng. Their duties comprise vehicle patrols, vessel patrols on the waters, vessel inspections and checks, resort visits and removal of any illegal items or fishing nets. These duties continue throughout the festive season and into the New Year to prevent lawlessness. This festive season, however, was dominated by rescue, recovery, and diving operations.
Collaboration
The SAPS Water Police often work together with the SAPS K9 Search and Rescue team, the SAPS Air Wing, and the Drone Unit, along with other emergency services in Gauteng. These partnerships are really important, especially in the recent case in Klein Jukskei (Douglasdale) where they found the body of a missing child in December. They use different methods for searching, like using planes, canoes, boats, divers, and people searching on foot.
Water activities: Safety precautions
In light of these tragic events, the SAPS urges the public to exercise extreme caution around bodies of water. Key safety measures include:
- Crossing rivers only at designated bridges.
- Wearing life jackets when participating in any water activities.
- Constant adult supervision of children near water.
- Avoiding water-related activities during heavy rains or flooding.
- Raising awareness about the dangers of contaminated water, particularly in rivers like the Klip River.
What safety precautions do you take when you participate in water activities?
We want to hear your thoughts. Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article.
You can also email info@thesouthafrican.com or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Also, follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
