MOKGARENG River in North West has claimed the life of another young girl.
Fourteen-year-old Hlompho Monchonyane from Leshobo Village in Taung was found dead on Saturday, about seven kilometres down stream from where she drowned.
Her father, Amos Monchonyane (46), said she was excited on the day of her death.
“She called her friends and they went to the river,” he said.
One of them told him Hlompho went straight into the water, claiming she wanted to test it.
The friend stood helplessly as she saw Hlompho going into the deep part before being swept away.
Aunt Elizabeth Dehuis (56) said: “ With the help of residents, police searched for Hlompho the whole night without success.
“Her body was swept to the bank of the river. She was a sweet girl who loved school. She performed well and had a bright future.”
Village chief Sam Mankurwane said it was not the first time the river has claimed lives.
He said there is a great need for cleansing and prayer.
The people in the area believe there is a snake that swallows teenagers.
“Some of these incidents are not reported to the authorities.”
In December, two teenagers drowned and one is still missing.
Pudimoe police spokesman Sergeant Tebogo Thebe confirmed that police are investigating.
He said residents called police to the scene, who found the body of the teenager reported missing on Friday.
“The family positively identified the body and investigations into the circumstances are underway,” said Thebe.
