Teen Hero drowns after saving friend in Sebokeng stream

SEBOKENG - The Sebokeng SAPS is investigating a case of inquest after the body of a 16-year-old boy was found in a stream near Boitumelo, Sebokeng. Vaal Journal reports the teenager was reported missing on Monday, 13 January 2025, by his mother, who had learned he drowned in the Sonderwater stream. Allegedly, while fishing with friends, he saved one of them from drowning but slipped while trying to climb out of the water. Search efforts led by Captain Gouws and Warrant Officer Rossouw, with K9 assistance, began immediately but were unsuccessful. The search continued on Tuesday, utilising drones and sniffer dogs, but the boy’s body remained undiscovered. On Wednesday, 15 January 2025, the search team resumed and finally located the body at the stream’s outskirts. He was declared dead by EMS and transported to the Sebokeng Government Mortuary by Forensic Pathologists. Investigations into the incident continue.