- marking second drowning incident Gumare police recorded this year
Police in Gumare have reported a second drowning incident this year following the death of a 13-year-old boy at Maxwa stream, located between Gumare and Tubu villages over the weekend.
According to the Gumare Police Station Commander Superintendent Chenamo Orateng, the incident occurred on Saturday May 2, after police received a report at around 4pm from a 47-year-old man of Legonono ward in Gumare.
Orateng said the man, who is a neighbour to the deceased, was in accompany of the boy and a group of other children to the stream for fishing. The stream had recently filled up and was flowing strongly following heavy rains received in the area.
He added that the group consisted of several children, all believed to be below the age of 15 also from Legonono ward in Gumare and the 47-year-old adult.
“The group had gone to the stream for a fishing activity and had initially crossed to the other side where they spent some time,” he said. “However, on their way back, they attempted to cross using a different route when the 13-year-old boy slipped into a deeper section of the stream and drowned.”
Police rushed to the scene upon receiving the report and found that the body had already been retrieved from the water by the 47-year-old man.
“We immediately transported the body to Gumare Primary Hospital, where the boy was certified dead upon arrival by a medical doctor,” Orateng said.
The latest incident marks the second drowning case reported in the Gumare policing area this year. Orateng highlighted that rising water levels continue to pose risks to nearby communities, particularly young children during the rainy season when water levels rise and currents become unpredictable.
The station commander has since urged members of the public to exercise extreme caution when near water bodies. Orateng warned that streams and rivers can be dangerous, especially for children, as they may contain deep sections, strong currents and potentially harmful aquatic animals.
“Parents and guardians are advised not to allow children to go near rivers or streams unsupervised. These areas can be life-threatening, especially during this time when water levels are high.” he cautioned.
He further appealed to communities to remain vigilant and prioritise safety, noting that many such incidents can be prevented through proper supervision and awareness. Orateng concluded that police investigations into the matter are ongoing, although no foul play is suspected.
