BODY OF 14-YEAR-OLD BOY RECOVERED AFTER DROWNING AT BEGASDORP MINE VIEW IN MAAKE
POLOKWANE: The body of a 14-year-old boy was recovered following a drowning incident at Begasdorp Mine View, within the Maake SAPS area in Mopani District, on Wednesday, 04 February 2026, at about 15:00.
According to reports, the teenager was swimming with friends in a water-filled excavation when he drowned. The excavation was allegedly dug by illegal miners and later filled with rainwater.
A search and rescue operation was activated on the same day and resumed on Thursday, 05 February 2026. The body was recovered by the SAPS Search and Rescue Team, including the SAPS Water Wing Unit, assisted by Politsi K9. Divers recovered the body at a depth of approximately five metres.
Police have opened an inquest docket to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, conveyed her condolences to the bereaved family and cautioned communities, especially parents and guardians, to discourage children from swimming in any unauthorised water bodies, including abandoned or illegal mining excavations.
“These areas are extremely dangerous and pose a serious risk to life,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe.
