Police in Bloemfontein have launched an enquiry following the suspected drowning of a 20-year-old man at a quarry in Heidedal.
Free State police spokesperson Mahlomola Kareli confirmed that the incident occurred last Thursday (16/10) when the victim and two friends went swimming at the quarry. “Heidedal police were called to the scene and requested the assistance of the Bloemfontein Diving Unit. A thorough search was conducted in the area where the victim was last seen, but had to be suspended later that evening due to poor visibility,” Kareli said.
The search resumed on Friday morning and continued until midday, when authorities suspected that the body may have been swept away by the current or sunk to a deeper section of the quarry, which is estimated to be about 50 meters deep.
Kareli added that once the body is recovered, a post-mortem will be conducted to confirm the cause of death. He also issued a stern warning to the public. “The SAPS urges community members to avoid swimming in the quarry, as the water is extremely deep and poses a serious danger to life,” he concluded.
Compiled by Clement Matroos
