The South African Police Service Search and Rescue Team in Limpopo retrieved the body of a 14-year-old yesterday after he crossed the overflowing Ritavi river on Friday.

A DEADLY TRIP

SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Thakeng said preliminary investigations revealed that on Friday, 10 January the deceased together with his four friends went to Ritavi river to view the water as it flows. 

"They decided to enter inside the river to cross to the other side and come back to their original side of the river," he said.

TRAGEDY

He said unfortunately while the group was returning, one of them was swept by the water that was heavily flowing.

"SAPS divers were summoned to the scene and the body was retrieved yesterday. The deceased was identified by next of kin at the scene, as Nkanelo Hlungwani, aged 14 years old, a grade seven learner who is residing at Ngove village,"explained Thakeng.

The Provincial Commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has urged parents and guardians to ensure that children do not play in the rivers that are overflowing as it?s a dangerous practice that may lead to tragic consequences especially during this time of the year when we are experiencing heavy rains.