Boy, 13, dies after getting into trouble in Thabong quarry

A 13-year-old boy has died after he went under the water at a quarry in Thabong in the Free State, according to IOL. Police have opened an inquest docket.

What happened at the quarry

The family has named the teenager as Kamohelo Mokhethi. He was at a quarry near Erfdeel Road on Saturday with two friends when he allegedly became submerged while they were swimming.

Free State police spokesperson Sergeant Palesa Thabana said rescue teams went to the scene after the incident was reported. The search could not carry on that day because there was not enough light.

On Sunday morning, divers from Welkom and Bloemfontein were brought in to resume the search. Thabana said the boy’s body was taken out of the water at about 8.15am. Emergency medical services staff then declared him dead.

Police investigation

An inquest docket is used to look into the circumstances of a death. Thabana said the events that led to the drowning would form part of the investigation. No further details about how the boy got into difficulty were given in the report.

What police want families to know

Police used the case to appeal to parents and guardians to speak to children about the dangers of water, particularly in places that are not safe for swimming.

Thabana’s advice was straightforward:

• Children should be taught to get permission before going near water.
• In her words, children should swim “in designated and supervised areas only”.

Quarries and similar open stretches of water are not set up for swimming, and, as this case shows, a search can be delayed once darkness falls. Families who want to know more about local water safety can ask their local police station or municipality for guidance.

The investigation continues, and police have not said whether any further information will be released.

This story is based on reporting by IOL.