The Jozini community in northern KwaZulu-Natal is reeling following the tragic drowning of a 14-year-old schoolboy who was swept away while trying to cross a flooded river on his way home from school.
uMkhanyakude District Mayor Siphile Mdaka confirmed that the Grade 7 pupil, Sbonelo Magagu, was walking with a group of other children when the incident occurred on Monday.
Mdaka said persistent heavy rainfall in the region over recent weeks had left several rivers dangerously swollen. As the group attempted to cross one such river, Sbonelo became stuck in mud before being swept away by the strong current.
Police were alerted immediately, and a search operation was launched. The boy’s body was recovered later the same day.
The mayor said the tragedy has deeply affected both the family and the broader community. He added that the municipality is providing support to the bereaved family, including assistance with funeral arrangements.
In the wake of the incident, Mdaka has urged residents to exercise extreme caution during periods of heavy rainfall and to avoid crossing flooded rivers and dams.
He emphasised that safer alternative routes are available and warned that attempting to cross swollen waterways poses a serious risk to life, particularly for children.