Community mourns as vetkoek vendor is swept away by raging river currents
Police in Mpumalanga are investigating an inquest after a vetkoek vendor, Esther Amina Mathenjwa, 44, died after being swept away by strong currents at Msholozi near White River on Wednesday night.
The incident, which shocked local communities and circulated widely on social media, occurred at approximately 9 pm on January 14.
This happened when a group of people attempted to cross a stream.
Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane said Mathenjwa, who sold vetkoek at a local school, was the first to cross the stream.
She was carrying the bucket when strong currents swept it away, and she was dragged along while trying to retrieve it.
“Further information revealed that the deceased was a hawker at a local school in Msholozi,” Ndubane said.
Community members immediately launched a search throughout the night, but the effort was unsuccessful.
The SAPS Diving Unit, together with local volunteers, recovered Mathenjwa’s body on January 15.
Police confirmed that an inquest is underway to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.
Mpumalanga acting provincial police commissioner Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi issued a stern warning to the public to remain vigilant, pointing to range-level weather alerts from the South African Weather Service that indicate a high risk of flooding.
He urged the public not to underestimate the strength of flowing water, as it can be extremely dangerous and life-threatening.
IOL News previously reported a two-year-old boy drowned on Tuesday as he tried to cross a flooded stream near his home in White River, Mpumalanga.
According to the police, the boy, Sibusiso Mnisi, drowned in a stream at Msholozi C on January 13, after following his mother out of their home unnoticed.
The family lives near the stream. According to an account given to police by the child’s mother, Thapiseng Mnisi, the toddler had been asleep inside the house when she left to cross the stream. Unbeknown to her, the child followed her outside.
“It is alleged that the boy attempted to cross the stream on his own but was swept away by the strong current and drowned,” the SAPS said.
All relevant stakeholders were summoned to the scene, where emergency medical personnel later certified the child dead.
“A case of inquest has been opened for further investigation,” police confirmed.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
IOL News