12-year-old boy’s body recovered after heavy rains in Eastern Cape

Reading Time: < 1 minute

In the aftermath of heavy rains in the Eastern Cape, the Alfred Nzo District disaster management team and police have successfully recovered the body of a 12-year-old boy who drowned in Dutyini Village under Umzimvubu Local Municipality.

This incident adds to the toll of casualties caused by the severe weather, with one person having been struck by lightning earlier on Sunday.

The persistent heavy rains have also left several individuals homeless, contributing to the ongoing challenges in the region.

Lixolile Petela, spokesperson for Alfred Nzo District Municipality, expresses condolences: “We can confirm that a 12-year-old boy has drowned in the village of Dutyini in ward 8 under Umzimvubu Local Municipality. We immediately dispatched SAPS and fire and rescue services from the municipality, and unfortunately, the body of the boy was discovered, and he was no more.”

Petela urged caution among villagers, emphasizing the need to stay away from rivers and dams due to the anticipated continuation of floods in the coming days.

The South African Weather Services has provided forecasts indicating the persistence of heavy rains, urging communities to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.