Key Takeaways
- A 54-year-old man, Lesiba Moses Molomo, drowned in a dam in Pax Village, Ga-Mashashane, outside Polokwane, Limpopo, while performing rituals.
- The incident occurred on Saturday, 24 January, and Molomo’s body was found in a clinic in Maraba Village, still dressed in traditional regalia.
- The Limpopo police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe, has warned residents to avoid swimming, crossing rivers, or performing rituals in flooded rivers and dams due to the risk of drowning.
- The dam where the incident occurred is often used for spiritual purposes, and villagers are shocked and warning others to avoid the area until the water level goes down.
Introduction to the Incident
A tragic incident occurred in Pax Village, Ga-Mashashane, outside Polokwane, Limpopo, on Saturday, 24 January, when a 54-year-old man, Lesiba Moses Molomo, drowned in a dam while performing rituals. According to the police, Molomo had gone to the local dam to perform his rituals, but unfortunately, he lost his life in the process. The police were called to a clinic in Maraba Village, where they found Molomo’s body lying in the casualty ward, still dressed in full traditional regalia.
Preliminary Investigations
Preliminary investigations revealed that Molomo was busy performing his rituals at the dam when he drowned. The police certified him dead at the health facility, and his family later identified him. The police are still investigating the incident, and the circumstances surrounding Molomo’s death are still unclear. However, it is evident that the dam was a place of spiritual significance for Molomo, and he had gone there to perform his rituals, unaware of the dangers that lay ahead.
Warning from the Police
Reacting to the incident, Limpopo police commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe warned residents to stop swimming, crossing rivers, or performing rituals in flooded rivers and dams following heavy rain. She emphasized the importance of supervision when people go near water, especially in areas that are prone to flooding. The police commissioner’s warning is a timely reminder of the dangers of flooding and the need for caution when engaging in activities near water.
Response from the Community
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with villagers expressing their condolences to Molomo’s family. The villagers are also warning others to avoid the dam until the water level goes down, citing the dangers of the flooded area. One of the residents, Alpheus Lepebe, said that the dam is often used for spiritual purposes, and people come from all over to perform rituals and seek spiritual guidance. However, the villagers never thought that something like this would happen, and they are still trying to come to terms with the loss of life.
The Dangers of Flooding
The incident highlights the dangers of flooding and the need for caution when engaging in activities near water. The recent heavy rains in the area had made the dam dangerously full, and the villagers are warning others to avoid the area until the water level goes down. The police are also urging residents to be careful and to avoid taking unnecessary risks, especially during the rainy season. The incident is a sobering reminder of the power of nature and the importance of respecting the dangers of flooding.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the incident in Pax Village, Ga-Mashashane, outside Polokwane, Limpopo, is a tragic reminder of the dangers of flooding and the need for caution when engaging in activities near water. The police are still investigating the incident, and the community is coming to terms with the loss of life. The incident highlights the importance of supervision, caution, and respect for the dangers of nature, especially during the rainy season. As the police commissioner said, "We urge our communities to make sure there’s supervision when people go near water," and it is essential that we take heed of this warning to avoid similar incidents in the future.
