DailySun
Pretoria – Authorities are still in pursuit of an individual who escaped from security personnel and jumped into the Hennops River in Centurion, where they were swept away by swift currents.
Regarding the circumstances of this potential drowning, the City of Tshwane’s Emergency Services Department indicated that they received an emergency notification about a missing person believed to have entered the river on Sunday morning, December 22, 2024.
“This incident was reported to the Emergency Communication Centre (ECC) at around 07:15, regarding a drowning at West Avenue near the Supersport Park Cricket Stadium,” the City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department shared in a statement on Monday, December 23, 2024.
“The ECC quickly dispatched firefighting personnel from the Centurion Fire Station to the scene.
“These personnel included a fire engine, a ladder truck, and a rapid intervention unit.”
The City also stated that additional support was provided by resources from the Central Fire Station and Innesdale Fire Station.
This support included a swift water rescue unit, a video unit, and a district commander’s unit.
“Upon reaching the location, our firefighters and rescue teams, along with divers from the South African Police Service’s water unit, found a male of unknown age who had allegedly escaped from security custody and entered the river, only to be carried away by the strong current,” the statement noted.
“The firefighters and police divers immediately initiated search and rescue efforts, meticulously searching both the river and its banks.
“The operation was complicated and dangerous due to rising water levels and powerful currents, worsened by upstream rainfall.
“After several hours of rigorous searching, the operation was halted due to safety concerns for the search and rescue personnel.”
The City announced that rescue operations resumed early on Monday, December 23, 2024.
“However, heavy rains during the night rendered the river unsafe for search and rescue activities,” the City specified.
“The search and rescue teams will continue to observe river conditions to conduct their operations safely.”
The Emergency Services Department of the City of Tshwane urged residents to stay alert during the disruptive rains, which could lead to isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms.
The potential impacts of these disruptive rains may include:
• Localized flooding, especially in susceptible low-lying areas, informal settlements, and vulnerable roads, along with intense downpours, small hail, and damaging winds.
• Minor to major vehicle collisions due to poor visibility and slippery road conditions.
• Localized interruptions to services caused by power outages and infrastructure damage.
The City advises residents to remain alert and adhere to the following safety measures:
• Be aware that thunderstorms can bring hail, strong winds, heavy rain, and/or significant lightning.
• Whenever possible, stay indoors and avoid contact with metal objects that may conduct lightning.
• Do not seek shelter under isolated trees or tall structures that could conduct electricity (like barbed wire fences and power lines) during storms.
• Avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges, and swollen streams.
• If you notice rising water levels, move to higher ground immediately.
• When outdoors during lightning activity, leave ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water without delay.
The City encourages residents to remain informed and monitor short-term weather forecasts and alerts from the South African Weather Service and other reputable sources, following all recommended safety guidelines promptly.
To report any fire or rescue emergencies, please call 107 toll-free, or alternatively, reach out to 012 358 6300/6400.
When reporting an emergency, please remain calm; speak clearly; know your location to provide the correct address; and provide your accurate contact information so the operator can reach you if necessary.
