Two young lives were lost during the prolonged rainfall at Tshituni-Tsha-Ratombo at Nzhelele last Friday.

Rotshidzwa Makongoza and Takalani Sinugo, both 14 years old, drowned at the Nwambedi River in Tshituni. They were attempting to cross the overflowing river after attending an athletics meeting at Patrick Ramaano Secondary School at Ha-Matidza. They initially crossed the river, but after learning that the competition had been cancelled due to the constant rain, they had to return home. The river, however, was flowing faster and its level had risen.

Three of them attempted to cross the fast-flowing river; unfortunately, only one of them survived.

The teenagers were all in Grade 9 at Luatame Secondary School. Hector Ravuku (14) survived the tragedy. He was saved by some branches alongside the river, but Rotshidzwa and Takalani, who were in front, apparently slipped on some stones and were swept away.

The body of Rotshidzwa was found the very same day and Takalani’s body was discovered the following morning.

The accident had shocked the parents and the whole community. The mothers of the children were still traumatised when Limpopo Mirror visited their homes on Tuesday. The survivor, Hector Ravuku, was taken for counselling.

Rotshidzwa’s mother, Ms Tshililo Makongoza (34), was shocked and could not believe what happened. “I have lost my son abruptly and unexpectedly. I am traumatised,” said a weeping Ms Makongoza. Ms Mashudu Ralushai, the mother of Takalani, could not speak since she was still nursing the pain of her son's dreadful death.

The ward councillor, Cllr Gloria Nemafhohoni, said the incident had shocked almost every member of the community. “When we heard about this, we did not know where to start. But we had to accept and understand that young lives were lost,” said Cllr Nemafhohoni.

Takalani and Rotshidzwa will be buried tomorrow (Saturday) at the Tshituni-Tsha-Fhasi cemetery.

Meanwhile, Limpopo police divers warned communities to be vigilant about overflowing dams and rivers. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Col Ronél Otto appealed to the public, especially in the Vhembe region, to be cautious. “Members of the Limpopo SAPS Search and Rescue Unit are appealing to community members to be extra careful when crossing swollen streams and rivers, following the prolonged and persistent rain in the province,” Col Otto said.

According to the police, two men who were fishing in Vuwani were swept away when the river suddenly flash-flooded. Divers successfully rescued one of them. On Tuesday, they were still searching for the other man.

Col Otto added that although the current of water might appear slow, it could sweep a person's feet from under them very quickly. The police also requested people to refrain from using alcohol when they ventured into an area where there were dams, streams or rivers.