A 47-year-old man, Sibusiso Mahlambi Ndlangamandla, from Ndzingeni under Gege Inkhundla, Eswatini, has died after drowning in the Ndlotane River. According to reports, Ndlangamandla was last seen at his homestead on Thursday last week. He was accustomed to visiting a drinking spot along the borderline, which is located a distance from his homestead, and often returned late at night or the following day.
Ndlangamandla's family did not report him missing at the police station initially, as he had a history of disappearing from home and returning later. His mother is elderly, and the family held out hope that he would return as usual. However, on Tuesday at around 2 pm, a man using an informal crossing to Siyendle spotted Ndlangamandla lying face down along the river, wearing his clothes, with a bottle of alcohol found next to him.
It is suspected that Ndlangamandla may have slipped, fallen, and drowned while trying to cross the river to get home. The discoverer immediately alerted other community members, who informed the police. The police arrived at the scene and retrieved the body from the river. The incident was officially confirmed by Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Senior Superintendent Phindile Zwane through police reports.
According to Mlindazwe Bucopho Fikile Ngwenya, she received a report of Ndlangamandla's passing on Tuesday evening. Bucopho Fikile Ngwenya stated that Ndlangamandla was last seen at his homestead on Thursday last week, but due to his history of disappearing and returning, the family did not report him missing.
The police report was eventually made, and the body was retrieved from the river. Senior Superintendent Phindile Zwane confirmed the incident, and the family was notified of Ndlangamandla's passing. The community has been informed about the incident, and investigations are ongoing.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of the Ndlotane River and the need for caution when crossing it. The community has been advised to exercise caution when using the river and its crossings. This incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of rivers and the importance of being vigilant when near water bodies.
The family of Ndlangamandla has been left to mourn his passing. His death serves as a reminder of the risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption and the importance of being aware of one's surroundings. The community has come together to support the family during this difficult time.
Key points
- A 47-year-old man drowned in the Ndlotane River while trying to cross back home.
- The victim, Sibusiso Mahlambi Ndlangamandla, was last seen at his homestead on Thursday last week.
- The incident has raised concerns about the safety of the Ndlotane River and the need for caution when crossing it.
