Two teens drown at game reserve

Lifeguards, teachers attempt to save pupils all in vain

AGRADE 9 farewell outing ended in tragedy for two pupils from Mabetshe Junior Secondary School this week when they drowned at sea at the Hluleka Game Reserve on the Wild Coast in Ngqeleni.

According to the department of education, Someleze Peter, 15, and Pheleka Mangqashe, 16, drowned on Tuesday when they found themselves in trouble in the water.

Education provincial spokesman Malibongwe Mtima said 58 pupils, accompanied by 12 adults including teachers and the principal, arrived at the reserve at around 11am.

Mtima said on arrival at the reserve, the pupils and teachers reported at the office, where all pupils were given safety instructions and two qualified lifeguards were allocated to the group to ensure their safety.

“On the beach, the lifeguards went into the water and the learners were instructed to swim between the markers, and not to pass the lifeguards – in other words not to enter deeper than the lifeguards were standing.

“After about an hour upon arrival, meals were served, and after lunch the lifeguards went into the water once again, and the same arrangements were made where learners were instructed to stay between the markers and not to go past the lifeguards,” said Mtima.

He said after some time, screams were heard from some of the pupils alerting them that the two pupils were being swept out to sea.

“The lifeguards were struggling to get to the pupils and eventually found it impossible to rescue them.

“After some time the floating bodies were recovered,” said Mtima.

The principal and staff attempted to resuscitate the pupils with mouth-tomouth resuscitation but their attempts were in vain.

“Paramedics were contacted, but the closest medical assistance was in Mthatha. Eventually the bodies were transported to the Nkanunu Clinic,” said Mtima.

Police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Mzukisi Fatyela confirmed that the two teens died at the scene.

Education MEC Mandla Makupula extended his heartfelt condolences to both families.