MALAMULELE POLICE OPEN INQUEST CASE AFTER A 34 YEAR-OLD MAN DROWNS WHILE FISHING IN XINGWEDZI RIVER
POLOKWANE: Malamulele police have opened an inquest case following the drowning of a 34 year-old male at Mtititi Altein, Xingwedzi River on Saturday 02 May 2026 at about 21:15.
Police were on routine patrol duties when they received a complaint of a drowning incident at the river and rushed to the scene. On arrival, police were informed by two witnesses that they had been fishing with the deceased when the incident occurred.
It is alleged that one of the men crossed to the opposite side of the Xingwedzi river and called the deceased to join him. While attempting to swim across, the 34 year-old got into difficulty and drowned. The witnesses managed to retrieve him from the water and attempted to resuscitate him but were unsuccessful.
Emergency Medical Services were summoned to the scene and declared the victim deceased upon arrival.
The deceased has been identified by his next of kin as Mathew Chauke aged 34.
The Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe extends condolences to the family and friends of the deceased. She further urges community members to exercise extreme caution around rivers and dams, especially at night and during rainy season.
Police investigations are continuing.
