2009-12-01:Search to resume at first light for missing man
The search for a missing man, presumed drowned, has been called off at 20h00 this evening due to poor visibility.
This incident allegedly took place at the Hampstead Park Dam in Fordsburg, near the Langlaagte Train Station, west of the City, at approximately 18h30 (pm) today.
According to an eye-witness - a 13 year old boy who was playing soccer with the missing man (in his early twenties), the ball allegedly landed into the water after it was kicked. It is further alleged that the man took off his clothes and jumped into the dam. Because of the light wind, the ball was driven further into the deep end.
It is believed that man experienced difficulties while swimming to retrieve the ball and disappeared under the water.
Search and rescue teams from the Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS), as well as the South African Police Services, were summoned to the scene. They immediately began with the search.
After almost two hours of an intensive search, the operation had to be called off due to poor visibility. It will resume again at 7am tomorrow morning.
It is a fact that people of different all known South African demographics may and can become drowning victims. It is precisely for this reason that we encourage our communities to avoid water bodies such as dams, rivers and streams. Because of the extremely hot weather conditions experienced at this time of the year, people are tempted to swim in these dangerous places. This might not only lead to a loss of life, but untold grief to those who are left behind.
End-of-year parties and excursions to parks are usually the norm as we get ourselves into the festive season mood. Responsible behavior at these festivities is hereby encouraged.
NB: When buying Christmas present(s) for your kid(s), please include a manual on how to prevent drowning, perform CPR and how to identify hazards within the household.
Issued by: Percy Morokane
For more information, please contact
Percy Morokane.
+27 (0)11 758 9540
Mobile: +27 (0) 83 288 3751
