09/12/2025
Public Urged to Stay Vigilant After Fourth Drowning in Middelburg
Middelburg experienced a fourth drowning yesterday following heavy rains and dangerously high water levels. Earlier in the day, police divers recovered the bodies of three women from the Klein Olifants River. Later, they were called to Athlone Dam, where the body of a 20-year-old man was retrieved within minutes.
The young man reportedly dived from a platform with friends but failed to resurface. Teenagers and adults immediately attempted to rescue him, and a distress call was quickly shared on local WhatsApp groups when efforts were unsuccessful. Divers rushed to the dam shortly after completing the earlier recovery near Riverside
The identity of the victim has not yet been released.
Councillor Hennie Niemann, who was at the scene, has urged residents to remain extremely cautious around dams and rivers, especially where no lifeguards are present. The public is strongly advised to avoid swimming in unsafe or fast-flowing water following the recent heavy rainfall.