A family in Wallacedene is mourning the death of a 14-year-old boy who drowned in a dam on a farm next to the area on Wednesday afternoon.
The boy was out swimming with his friends and had been under the water for some time before emergency workers retrieved his body from the murky water.
A large crowd gathered around the dam as police divers searched for his body.
His hartseer dad, Leon Pearce, 40, says he was at work in Brackenfell when he received a call at about 2pm to say that his son Teshwin had drowned.
“He had been swimming with his friends and they say they tried everything to save him.
“They threw plastic bottles in the water to help him stay afloat, but he couldn’t reach them.
“When they saw him sink under the water they ran home to get help.
“After his body was taken out of the water the rescue workers called me to identify my son.”
Teshwin was due to start Grade 8 next Monday at Scottsdene High School and was very excited, Leon adds.
“I want the landowners to put up a fence around this dam to avoid any more tragedies such as this one,” he adds.
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed the incident and said an inquest case was registered for investigation at Kraaifontein SAPS.
Teshwin’s uncle William Papier says Teshwin’s death is a huge shock for the family, as they are also busy with funeral arrangements for his mother.
“The family is poor and any donations will be highly appreciated and will make a big difference.”
If you would like to assist call William on 060 399 8787.