THABONG: A 13-year-old boy drowned at a water-filled quarry near Erfdeel Road in Thabong after reportedly swimming with two friends on Saturday, 31 October.

The body of the boy, identified by his family as Kamohelo Mokhethi (13), was retrieved from the water on Sunday morning, 1 November.

According to police, the incident occurred when the three boys were swimming at the quarry. Mokhethi’s friends allegedly told police that he became submerged and failed to resurface.

A search and rescue operation could not be conducted immediately because of poor lighting conditions.

Diving units recovered the lifeless body

The Welkom and Bloemfontein diving units were activated on Sunday morning and recovered the boy’s motionless body from the water at approximately 08:15.

Emergency medical services personnel pronounced him dead at the scene.

Police have registered an inquest and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the drowning.

Police have urged parents and guardians to educate children about water safety to prevent similar tragedies.

Children should be taught to seek permission before going near any body of water and encouraged to swim only in designated areas under proper supervision.

ALSO READ: Teenager (14) drowns in sewage-filled Meloding quarry