Boy drowns at the Kruger National Park

A child drowned and lost his life after jumping into a pool during a day visit at the Skukuza Camp of the Kruger National Park.

The incident took place on Saturday in the late afternoon, said South African National Parks (SANParks).

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BOY FOUND FLOATING IN KRUGER POOL

The nine-year-old boy was a day visitor at the Skukuza Camp. According to reports from the security officer, he noticed the boy’s body floating in the pool while doing his patrols.

“He jumped into the pool, pulled him out and performed CPR while waiting for medical assistance,” said SANParks spokesperson Ike Phaahla.

The boy was unfortunately pronounced dead by the Skukuza residential doctor, who attended the scene, Phaahla said.

“Reports suggest that the deceased was with his family, visiting at the Kruger National Park at the time of the incident.”

Ike Phaahla

POLICE INVESTIGATE INQUEST

The South African Police Service (SAPS) were notified. The police’s forensic team removed the boy’s body after collecting the evidence they required from the scene.

“An inquest docket has been opened by the police and the results of the investigation will be communicated to the next of kin in due course.”

SANParks management conveyed their heartfelt condolences to the family of the boy. The name of the family members and the deceased are being withheld for privacy purposes.

DROWNING IN LIMPOPO BAPTISM

Last month, four people fell into a Limpopo dam during a baptismal ritual. Only two made it out alive while the other two drowned.

The incident happened at the Masetheko Dam in Maleboho, Polokwane. One of the four people who fell into the dam managed to swim out while another woman was rescued. But two men drowned, said police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo.

Police opened an inquest docket on the deaths of the two and investigations into the matter continue.

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