Boy, 13, drowns in trench

THE friend of a teenage boy who drowned in a water-filled trench in Mthatha at the weekend described how he had desperately tried to save the boy after seeing his head disappear below the muddy water.

Zamile Mbhobho said he and close friend Siphesande Varhoyi had gone swimming with a group of teens in the trench in Zone 14 near Phola Park on Saturday.

The trench had allegedly been dug by a construction company laying pipes in the area and was, according to residents, not cordoned off, despite requests that this be done.

Zamile said they had gone swimming to escape the heat and were just about to leave when Siphesande got into trouble.

“He was not a good swimmer, but his swimming skills were improving. We decided to go home but Siphesande stayed behind because he was enjoying the water. I’ve never seen him so happy, ” Zamile said.

As he was leaving, Zamile saw Siphesande struggling in the water.

“He disappeared under before I could jump in and save him. I dived under the water to try and get him but could not find him.

“I called the other boys but we could not find him.”

Siphesande’s death has caused an uproar among residents, who are demanding the construction company take responsibility for the 13-year-old’s death.

The company’s community liaison officer, Noxolo Mathe, referred all enquiries to management but no one could be reached for comment yesterday.

Police spokesman LieutenantColonel Mzukisi Fatyela said an inquest docket had been opened.