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Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Correspondent
TWO minors drowned in separate incidents in Matabeleland South, police have confirmed.

Sandile Nyathi (5) from Madlambuzi in Mangwe District drowned while swimming while Bhekimpilo Nkomo (6) from Cala village in Filabusi died after he fell into a 1,5 metre deep well.

Matabeleland South police spokesperson Inspector Philisani Ndebele confirmed both incidents that occurred last Friday.

He said Sandile drowned while he was swimming with a friend of the same age.

“He was swimming in a stream and plunged into the deep end and started drowning. His friend rushed home to alert parents but when his mother came to rescue him he was already dead,” he said.

In the other incident, Insp Ndebele said Bhekimpilo fell into the well and drowned.

He said the well was about 150 metres from his home.

“The child who was playing with him rushed to their home and alerted his father Norman Nkomo who could do nothing as he found him already dead,” he said.

Insp Ndebele warned people to stay away from water bodies as they risk drowning or being swept away.

“It’s not the children who are drowning in shallow streams but we also have the elderly who are being swept away while crossing flooded rivers,” said Insp Ndebele.

Police are also on record warning motorists to desist from crossing flooded rivers and bridges as they risk being swept away.

Since the start of rainy season, the country has recorded several drowning incidents especially involving people attempting to cross flooded rivers.

@nqotshili