Drown
1Min
South Africa
Dec 9, 2025
A 16-year-old boy, Mufaro Washesanda, drowned at Athlone Dam in Middelburg after struggling moments after diving in while swimming with friends. The boys called for help, but rescue teams retrieved his body too late. He had been visiting his uncle. Police sent condolences and urged caution around open water.
A 16-year-old boy drowned while swimming with friends at Athlone Dam in Aerorand, Middelburg, on Monday afternoon.
Police said the group of six boys, aged between 13 and 16, had gone to the dam for a swim at around 3.30pm. According to statements given to officers, the group asked the teenager, identified as Mufaro Washesanda, if he could swim. He reportedly told them he could.
“Moments after diving into the water, he began struggling. The other boys realised he was in danger and tried to assist him but were unsuccessful,” police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane said.
One of the boys phoned 10111 for help.
“The Police search and rescue team from Mpumalanga arrived on the scene, but it was too late the boy had drown, and they then retrieved the body, and EMS certified him dead,” said Ndubane.
Washesanda, a foreign national, had been visiting his uncle in Middelburg. His family has been informed.
Acting provincial police commissioner Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi sent condolences to the family and urged the public to be cautious around open water.
The Commissioner further urged community members to always exercise safety precautions when visiting areas with open water.
