The Thamalakane River is one of Maun’s most important natural resources. It supports fishing, tourism, recreation, livestock, livelihoods and the local ecosystem. However, the current flooding of the river should also be treated as a serious public-safety emergency. People should avoid swimming, unnecessary fishing and attempting to cross the river until water levels and conditions become safer.
This warning is particularly urgent following recent deaths in the Thamalakane River. On 1 September 2026, a search-and-rescue operation recovered the body of a 44-year-old man who had drowned while fishing at Riverside Ward. Police reported that he entered the river to retrieve a bird he had shot. This tragedy follows other drowning incidents in the river, demonstrating that the danger is neither theoretical nor temporary.
Flooding changes the character of a river. Water that appears calm on the surface may conceal strong currents, deep channels, submerged vegetation, unstable riverbanks and sudden changes in depth. During floods, familiar swimming and fishing spots can become completely different environments. A place that was safe a few weeks ago may become extremely dangerous.
There is also the danger posed by wildlife. The Thamalakane is habitat for hippos, crocodiles and snakes. Authorities have previously warned residents that these animals become a significant danger during periods of high water. In 2024, two boys swimming in the Thamalakane were seriously injured in crocodile attacks. Fishing also carries risks: in 2025, a fisherman was attacked by a crocodile while fishing in the river.
What should residents of Maun do? First, do not swim in the flooded river, particularly children and inexperienced swimmers. Parents and guardians should know where their children are and discourage them from going near dangerous sections of the river. Second, fishing communities should exercise extreme caution.
Where fishing is unavoidable for livelihood purposes, people should avoid fishing alone, remain alert to wildlife, avoid entering the water unnecessarily and stay away from areas known to be frequented by hippos and crocodiles. Third, people should never attempt dangerous river crossings simply to save time. Alternative routes, bridges or designated crossing points should be used wherever possible.
Government, through the North West District Council, police, Department of Water and other relevant agencies, should establish clearly marked danger zones along the Thamalakane and erect visible warning signs at popular swimming, fishing and crossing points. There should also be a public river-safety campaign using radio, schools, churches, social media and community meetings. Local communities should receive basic training in water safety, first aid and emergency response. Most importantly, government should consider establishing designated safe recreational areas along the river, with lifeguards or trained community water-safety personnel during peak periods. Emergency response capacity should also be strengthened, including access to boats, life jackets, rescue equipment and trained divers.
Finally, the Thamalakane is an economic, environmental and recreational asset for Maun. We should therefore not respond to flooding by closing our eyes to the opportunities it creates—or to the dangers it presents. The river must be enjoyed responsibly, managed properly and respected. No fishing trip, swimming excursion or shortcut across the river is worth losing a human life. When the river is in flood, let us choose caution over convenience and life over leisure.
