A 15-year-old learner is the latest victim of the ravaging floods that pummelled the Moretele Local Municipality in the North West over the past two weeks. According to authorities, the victim was swimming with six of his friends when he drowned in a flooded river at the Ruigtesloot village ward 1.
The victim’s friends escaped unharmed.The municipality spokesperson Mothupi Malebye said the boy’s lifeless body was recovered by the disaster management and pathology team earlier today (Tuesday).
Malebye further said that the rains affected various parts of the municipality, leaving scores of residents destitute.
“Northam Platinum Mine workers who use the Ruigtesloot Sea Mine Road daily have been forced to take an alternative route via Bela Bela.These adds an extra 120km to their commute before reaching their workplace in Northam,” said Malebye.
More than a week ago, a pensioner in a neighbouring village also lost his life after his house was flooded. His elderly wife was rescued by the municipal emergency services.
The floods have also led to the collapse of the Thulare High School and Ruigtesloot bridges, which severely affected the smooth running of operations, schooling, and shopping. Mayor George Manyike is expected to visit the affected areas tomorrow (Wednesday) morning.
“The visit will start early in the morning and will cover Mathibestad RDP, Tlholoe, Ga Habedi, and Ruigtesloot,” highlighted Malebye.
