DEPARTMENT OF
HEALTH
MEDIA STATEMENT
DEPARTMENT WARNS OF DROWNING IN THE LIMPOPO RIVER
Date
Embargo
: 6 January 2017
: None
The Limpopo River is used by many community members as an informal crossing into South Africa
through the Limpopo Province, from Zimbabwe and Botswana. These crossings normally increase in
January and with the increased rainfall over the past week, the river levels have gone up with strong
flowing currents. The Limpopo River is also crocodile infested, further posing a risk to the lives of
those illegally using the river to cross into the province.
Our Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Rescue personnel have joined forces with the South African
Police Service (SAPS) and Military in numerous search and rescue efforts over the past week. On
Wednesday evening it was reported that four adults were swept away by the river while crossing to
Vhembe and to date, two have drowned and their bodies have been retrieved. Meanwhile the search
continues for the remaining two. There are reports of people having been swept away by heavy
currents of the river in various parts of the province and our teams are working tirelessly to bring them
to safety.
The Department also wants to acknowledge the work done by our search and rescue teams from the
EMS, SAPS and Military, putting their own lives at risk in rescuing those encountering trouble while
crossing. The search and rescue operations are also risky along the river banks which are infested
with crocodiles and snakes.
The Department is concerned about the public health impact that is posed by the illegal crossing of
the river. At this time of the year, the risk of infection from cholera and typhoid and other waterborne
diseases is high. The Department therefore warns the public not to consume water that may be
infected. Residents who experience any symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal
pains or cramps should immediately present themselves nearest clinic; our health facilities are ready
to treat any patients.
End.
Issued by: The Department of Health
Contact:
Departmental Spokesperson
Derick Kganyago
082 042 5341
(015) 293-6068/6053
[email protected]
MLO and MEC’s Spokesperson
Thabiso Teffo
083 253 9695 / 076 480 4386
[email protected]
[email protected]
Fidel Castro Ruz House, 18 College Street, Polokwane, 0700, Private Bag x9302, POLOKWANE, 0700
Tel: (015) 293 6000, Fax: (015) 293 6211/20 Website: www.limpopo.gov.za
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