A 22-year-old man has lost his life after drowning in a river in Normandien, prompting a search by police to recover his body.
While the circumstances leading to this fatal incident remain unclear at this time, Amajuba District SAPS Spokesperson Constable Nonjabulo Langa, explained that the man fell into the river on Sunday, 30 March 2025.
This resulted in witnesses promptly contacting emergency services for assistance.
“A search was conducted to search and rescue the man, however, when he could not be found, teams were forced to stop the search before continuing again on Monday morning, 31 March 2025. The divers eventually managed to recover the deceased, and an inquest has now been opened,” said Constable Langa.
As police work to uncover the details surrounding this drowning, Constable Langa pointed out that it marks the second such tragedy within a week.
Just days earlier, on 25 March 2025, 16-year-old Shaibu Rajab disappeared after slipping into the Ncandu River in Paradise, Newcastle. His body was later discovered 1.5 kilometers downstream from where he had entered the water, underscoring the river’s perilous currents.
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With forecasts predicting continued rainfall and storms across Newcastle, Constable Langa emphasised the urgent need for community caution. She advised residents to avoid entering large bodies of water and to remain vigilant for potential flash floods, which could arise amid deteriorating weather conditions.
“People need to be extremely careful when crossing any body of water, especially when looking at the current weather conditions. The water might seem calm on the surface, but the undercurrent is an entirely different story, which could end in tragedy,” noted Constable Langa.
As the police proceed with their investigation into these incidents, we invite you to share your thoughts. What are your perspectives on this matter? Please leave your comments below.
Comments 3
Maybe fence the rivers somehow? Obstruct access. Might be a tall order. However saving lives.
Totally agreed!
There is a pedestrian bridge that is used by commuters towards Newcastle Corner Mall and or Height & Heights. The bridge is the most dangerous bridge I have ever crossed, cone to think that gogos who work in the surrounding suburbia use it cross while the it over looks this imfous river, post apartheid is disheartening. Rather close off the river and force the commuters onto the road where then a pedestrian side walk should be made by either closing off one lane for cars, to ensure safety for the poor. The other bridge is in Ncandu onroute to emabodini, adjacent to Amcu Dam, it is the same river different bridges, the bridge has never had safety bars to hold in case a person slips, I have witnessed commuters walk while it is full and went against the current. Close off that bridge immediately. Our peoples lives deserve dignity people cannot risk their lives because of considering to take a longer route. Or build a proper bridge. People use the route every morning and afternoon commuting to and fro work.