GAUTENG – In the wake of the Safer Festive Season campaign, the South African Police Service (SAPS) Gauteng Water Policing and Diving Services have made a formidable effort, recovering 28 bodies from various locations across Gauteng from December 2024 to January 19, 2025.
During December, SAPS members were deployed daily at Bronkhorstspruit Dam, Roodeplaat Dam, and Vaal Dam and River. Their duties included vehicle patrols, vessel patrols, vessel inspections, resort visits, and the removal of illegal items or fishing nets. These operations aimed to prevent lawlessness and ensure public safety throughout the festive season.
However, this season was marked by numerous rescue, recovery, and diving operations, largely due to heavy rains and flooding. The SAPS carried out 10 diving recovery operations, 17 rescue and recovery operations, rescuing six victims and recovering 17 bodies from separate incidents. These incidents occurred in various locations, including Vaal Dam and River, Klip River, Spaarwater Dam, Sebokeng, Orange Farm, Tembisa, Atteridgeville, Centurion, Hennops River, Rietspruit, Rooikraal, Klein Jukskei (Douglasdale), and Carletonville.
Despite the challenging conditions, the SAPS managed to conduct over 17 vessel patrols, 193 resort visits, 196 vessel checks, attended 12 complaints, issued 67 warnings, removed 26 illegal markers, and confiscated hundreds of meters of illegal fishing nets during December.
The operations have continued into January, with 11 more bodies recovered and two active investigations involving vehicles in water in Tshwane and Johannesburg.
The SAPS Water Police collaborate regularly with the SAPS K9 Search and Rescue, SAPS Air Wing and Drone Unit, and other Gauteng Emergency Services. These collaborations have been crucial, especially in incidents like the recent Klein Jukskei (Douglasdale) case, where the body of a missing child was recovered. Similar extensive efforts were made in January for an adult male in the same area and for a victim washed away by the river in Tedstoneville, Elsburg.
Among the notable incidents were recoveries of murder victims, drownings of alleged illegal fishermen, victims washed off low water bridges, and individuals playing in rivers swept away by strong currents. Additionally, there were cases of people living in stormwater drains drowning and workers cleaning pools falling in and drowning.
Inquest dockets for these incidents are under investigation. Witnesses or those with information are encouraged to contact their local SAPS station or Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
Given the dangers of rivers and dams, continuous vigilance is necessary. Individuals should only traverse rivers at designated bridges to avoid being swept away by rapid currents. Baptism rituals should consider the risks of contaminated water in rivers like Klip River and Jukskei, which may pose health hazards.
Precautionary measures, such as wearing life jackets, are emphasized to prevent unnecessary loss of life. Parents are advised to educate children about the dangers of open waters and ensure their supervision near water bodies.
Witnesses of water-related incidents are encouraged to provide multiple landmarks to facilitate immediate search and rescue efforts. With the rainy season in full swing, heightened awareness and adherence to safety measures are crucial. The public is also reminded that fishing with nets is illegal and constitutes a criminal offense.
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