Woman drowns in a freak accident in Gqeberha harbour

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Humewood is investigating an inquest following the drowning of a 32-year-old woman in a freak accident at the Gqeberha harbour. 

The incident happened in the early hours of Thursday, 25 April. 

WOMAN DIES IN GQEBERHA HARBOUR 

Police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg alleged that at approximately 3:45, the deceased woman was working at the vehicle terminal. 

While driving a Ford Ranger Cab onto the vessel carrier (ship), Van Rensburg said witnesses alleged that the vehicle accelerated and landed in the harbour. 

“The woman could not exit the vehicle, which subsequently submerged, and she drowned. Her body was retrieved, and her name is withheld until her next of kin has been informed. An inquest docket is opened for investigation,” she explained. 

TWO LEARNERS WHO DROWNED IN CENTURION LAID TO REST

In a separate incident, two learners from Daveyton Skills School in Benoni, Gauteng drowned during a disciplinary camp at the Rockfalls Adventure Ranch in Centurion.

As previously reported by The South African, the Gauteng Department of Education said the two learners, aged 13 and 16, attended a discipline camp held by the non-governmental organisation Rising Stars Generation in Pretoria.

Gauteng Education spokesperson Steve Mabona said it is alleged that, after activities had been concluded on Monday afternoon, 15 April, one of the learners suddenly ran towards a nearby river close to the campsite entrance. A second learner followed in an attempt to bring him back.

“It is further alleged that the learner who ran off jumped into the river, prompting the second learner to try and rescue him. However, both learners unfortunately drowned as a result,” he explained.

The bodies were recovered by the South African Police Services (SAPS) divers and the learners were declared dead by paramedics on the scene.

The two boys were laid to rest on Wednesday, 24 April.