GARIEP DAM – The Free State police in the Gariep Dam area have registered an inquest docket for further investigation into the tragic death of a young male who fell into the blades of a maize harvesting machine at the Allemansdrift farm. The farm is located in a primarily agricultural area in the Xhariep district.

Sergeant Sinah Mpakane, spokesperson for the police, said, according to information received, the deceased Riano Marries (18) died following the fatal incident which occurred on Tuesday at about 12:30. She said the deceased was an operator of the machine.

“No foul play is suspected regarding the incident at this stage, and further investigation is continuing. The preliminary investigation conducted at the farm found that the deceased slipped from the harvester and fell into the blades, getting stuck in the maize bucket,” she said.

Mpakane said the driver of the harvester informed the police that he felt the machine “block” and upon investigating, realized what had happened.

“He immediately stopped and pulled him out,” she said. Mpakane said the deceased was reportedly discovered by his father, who rushed him to a local clinic to receive emergency medical attention. “Emergency Medical Services personnel at the clinic confirmed the 18-year-old male dead-on arrival,” she said. Riano’s father is also said to work on the same farm.