Premier Sefora Notmbela with some of the Executive Council Members, will on Thursday pay their respects to the bereaved families of the seven children and the driver who drowned in Steynsrus Farm over the weekend.
According to police, on Sunday, 07 February, a vehicle carrying 10 occupants, including three adults, was swept into a river. The adults, managed to escape the vehicle, however the seven children were still trapped. In a heroic effort to save the lives of the children, Tshokolo Hlongwane, who was the driver, tried to go back to the car and rescue the children, but unfortunately he drowned in the process. The bodies of the six children were discovered on Sunday, while the seventh was discovered yesterday, 08 February 2021.
The children were: Thapelo Tekanya (4 years old), Ntaoleng Mpeko (13 years old), Relebohile Mpeko (9 years old), Mojalefa Mosibi (12 years old), Bokamoso Maphakisa (8 years old), Hopolang Monyatsi (6 years old) and six year old Karabo Kok, whose body was found yesterday.
The country has been experiencing torrential rains, which in turn, has seen a number of rivers and dams fill up. Residents have thus been warned to exercise extreme caution during this rainy season.
Premier Ntombela has conveyed her condolences to all the bereaved families of this tragic episode.
“We have learnt, with heavy hearts, about the tragedy that befell Steynsrus when seven children and an adult male drowned on Sunday. The body of the seventh child was discovered yesterday, and hopefully, with the discovery of the body, the families can begin the arduous process of mourning.
One can only imagine the harrowing pain that the parents must be going through and on behalf of the Free State Provincial Government, I wish to convey my condolences to all the families and wish them strength during this trying time. May the souls of the children rest in peace,” said Premier Ntombela.
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