A wave of grief has swept through the Okavango region following the tragic drowning of two young boys in the Okavango River near Kauxwi village last week. The heartbreaking incident has raised concerns about child safety near water bodies, particularly in rural areas where children are often involved in herding and household responsibilities.
According to Shakawe Police Station Commander, Superintendent Ogolotse Tampa, the victims aged 13 and 11 are from Mohembo and Shakawe respectively. The boys had travelled to Kauxwi to visit their grandmother during the school break when the tragic event unfolded.
On the day of the incident, which occurred on August 26th in the evening, the boys were reportedly searching for their cattle that had crossed the river. In their efforts get the cattle, they attempted to cross the river and never made it to the other side. The deceased were with three others aged 17, 22 and the youngest being 7 who did not go into the water when the incident happened.
Superintendent Tampa said when they failed to return, concerned relatives raised the alarm, prompting a full-scale search by police, community members, and family. He said initially they thought the children had been attacked by crocodiles because according to witnesses, the children were said to have just disappeared into the water.
However, after two days of searching, the body of the 13-year-old was discovered on Thursday followed by the 11-year-old’s body on Friday. Superintendent Tampa said that during the recovery of the bodies, there were no injuries that could be suspected to be crocodile attack injuries.
He noted that the children may have underestimated the depth and strength of the river current, especially during this time of year when water levels can be unpredictable due to rising floods.
The station Commander has further urged parents and guardians to be extra cautious and avoid sending children to such dangerous places like the river which is infested with many dangerous animals. “The loss of young lives in such a tragic manner is deeply painful. We urge all parents, guardians, and community members to speak to children about the dangers of entering rivers, especially without supervision,” Tampa said.
The Superintendent also called on families to keep a close watch on children visiting rural areas during holidays, where they are often left to roam freely or take part in adult responsibilities like herding livestock.
