Pretoria – The search continues for an individual who escaped from security guards and jumped into the Hennops River in Centurion, where they were swept away by the strong currents.
Regarding the incidents leading up to this possible drowning, the City of Tshwane’s Emergency Services Department reported that they received a distress call about a missing person believed to have entered the river on the morning of Sunday, December 22, 2024.
“This incident was reported to the Emergency Communication Centre (ECC) at around 07:15, concerning a drowning near West Avenue by the Supersport Park Cricket Stadium,” stated the City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department in a release on Monday, December 23, 2024.
“The ECC swiftly dispatched firefighting resources from the Centurion Fire Station to the site.
“The dispatched resources included a fire engine, a ladder truck, and a rapid intervention unit.”
The City noted that additional assistance was provided 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 scene, firefighters and rescue personnel from our Fire and Rescue Operations Division, alongside divers from the South African Police Service’s water unit, found that a male of indeterminate age, who had reportedly fled from security personnel, entered the river and was carried off by the swift current,” indicated the statement.
“The firefighters and police divers promptly began search and rescue operations, meticulously scouring both the river and its banks.
“The search was challenging and perilous due to rising water levels and strong currents, further intensified by rainfall upstream.
“After several hours of exhaustive searching, the operation was halted due to safety concerns for the search and rescue team.”
The City announced that rescue efforts recommenced early on Monday, December 23, 2024.
“However, the heavy rains overnight rendered the river unsafe for search and rescue operations,” emphasized the City.
“The search and rescue teams will persist in monitoring river conditions to conduct their operations safely.”
The City of Tshwane’s Emergency Services Department urged residents to remain cautious during the disruptive rains, which may include isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms.
The effects of these disruptive rains may include the following:
• Localized flooding, especially in vulnerable low-lying areas, informal settlements, and susceptible roads, accompanied by heavy downpours, small hail, and strong winds.
• Minor to major vehicle accidents due to poor visibility and slick road conditions.
• Localized service interruptions from power outages and infrastructure damage.
The City advises residents to stay alert and follow these safety precautions:
• Be aware that thunderstorms may be accompanied by hail, strong winds, heavy rain, and/or intense lightning.
• Whenever possible, remain indoors and avoid metal objects that could conduct lightning strikes.
• Do not seek shelter under isolated trees or tall structures around electricity conductors (like barbed wire fences and power lines) during storms.
• Avoid crossing flooded low-lying roads, bridges, and swollen streams.
• If you notice rising water levels, move to higher ground.
• During lightning activity outdoors, immediately leave ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water.
The City urges residents to stay informed and check short-term weather forecasts and any alerts issued by the South African Weather Service and other reliable sources, promptly adhering to all recommended safety tips.
To report any fire or rescue emergencies, please call 107 toll-free, or alternatively, contact 012 358 6300/6400.
When reporting an emergency, please remain calm; speak clearly; be familiar with your location to provide the correct address; and give your accurate contact number so the operator can reach you if necessary.
