Boy, 10, DROWNS IN BORO RIVER
The usual routine of swimming across the Boro River to harvest Mokolwane fruit ended tragically for a 10-year-old Standard Three pupil who drowned last week.
According to Maun Station Commander, Chenamo Orateng, the incident occurred on the 2nd of September at around 4 in the afternoon.
Although he could not confirm the exact number of children who were swimming at the time, Orateng said the eldest was a 12-year-old brother to the deceased boy who raised an alarm on the drowning incident.
“While the boys were swimming, they realised that one of them was missing. They tried to search for him but they did not find him, the eldest boy went back home and informed his aunt, who then reported the matter to the police,” revealed Orateng.
The Botswana Police and Botswana Defence Force scuba divers were then dispatched to the scene immediately but could not find the body of the deceased boy on the day. It is said that they managed to recover the body a day later at the children’s favourite swimming spot.
Orateng has urged the parents who reside along the river to always pay attention to their children so they could know where and how they are playing to avoid incidents such as this one.
“Parents should always keep an eye on their children when playing. Children who stay along the river have a tendency of playing in the river but it is risky. To avoid such incidents, children should not be allowed to play in the river especially without supervision,” added Orateng.