Picture: Bodies retrieved from the bodies
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
23 January 2026 – The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo appeals to parents, guardians and all members of the community who use dams, rivers, lakes, bridges and swimming pools for crossing and recreational purposes to exercise extreme caution. Naidoo said this warning follows an incident in which two teenage girls drowned in a river at Moshana village, in Motswedi.
“It is alleged that on 21 January 2026, at approximately 4:45pm, police were alerted to a drowning incident at the village. Upon arrival, police were informed that three girls and two boys went swimming in the river. After jumping into the water, two of the girls struggled to swim out.
“Furthermore, the two boys managed to rescue one girl and then went to the village to seek assistance. The police were subsequently notified and divers were called to the scene. On 22 January 2026, at around 10:15am, the bodies of the two girls aged 15 and 17 respectively, were retrieved from the river,” he said.
Naidoo further said an inquest docket was opened at the Motswedi Police Station. He added that members of the public should be extra vigilant and urged them to avoid using rivers as recreational facilities, particularly during the rainy season.
“We emphasize that many people underestimate the speed and force of moving water, which can cover large areas around rivers, and that attempting to swim in such conditions can result in immediate drowning,” said Naidoo.
The Guardian 