An adventure on a self-made boat on a stream turned into a horrific nightmare for two young boys when their boat capsized and they drowned in the foaming waters.

The two young boys from Tshikhwani village on the western side of Louis Trichardt, Phidza Muswobi (15) and Tshimangadzo Mukwevho (10), drowned in the Thaba Nchu stream at Ramantsha on Friday afternoon. The community members are still in shock and find it difficult to come to terms with what had happened.

The sad episode started when the boys were released early from school because of the heavy rains that fell all through the province. When the rain stopped, the two boys and five of their friends decided to go and swim in the nearby Thaba Nchu stream. Arriving at the stream, four of them decided to board a self-made boat. The fun turned into hysteria when the boat capsized and the four boys disappeared beneath the water. Two of them managed to reach the side of the stream, but Phidza and Tshimangadzo were not so lucky.

The boy who had opted not to climb on the boat ran to inform his parents and other community members of what had happened. The family immediately called the police, but when they arrived at the scene it was already dark and the two boys were nowhere to be found. Community members and the family slept at the stream until the police divers arrived the following day. When the divers arrived at the scene, they could do little more than retrieve the bodies.

Phidza Muswobi was a grade 8 learner at Jonathan Thifhulufheli Secondary school, while Tshimangadzo was a grade 4 pupil at Tshikwani Primary.

The grieving mother, Johanna Muswobi, told Mirror that she was expecting Phidza to study hard so that he would pursue his dream of becoming a policeman. Phidza was her first-born and the only one left of her three children. His two younger sisters died a few years ago after falling ill.

Tshimangadzo was the youngest son of Johanna Mukwevho and according to her, he also dreamt of becoming a police officer. He is survived by his mother and his three brothers.

The local traditional leader, Mr Johannes Ramabulana, expressed his condolences to the two families and warned children to avoid playing next to the rivers and dams. He called upon all parents to watch out when their children are playing, especially when it is near water.

The police spokesperson of Tshilwavhusiku, Constable Khakhu Maiwashe said that the police had opened an inquest docket. He also appealed to the parents to take care of their children and for children to avoid playing in rivers and dams.

The two will be buried during a combined funeral at the Tshikwani cemetery. The funeral will take place at 06:30.