13-year-old boy drowns while swimming with friends at Free State quarry - IOL

Police have opened an inquest after 13-year-old Kamohelo Mokhethi drowned while swimming with friends at a quarry near Erfdeel Road in Thabong.

A family in the Free State is mourning the loss of 13-year-old boy, who drowned while swimming with two friends at a quarry near Erfdeel Road in Thabong.

The incident occurred on Saturday when the boy, identified by his family as Kamohelo Mokhethi, allegedly became submerged while swimming with his friends.

Free State police spokesperson Sergeant Palesa Thabana said search and rescue teams were called to the scene following the incident.

However, the search operation could not proceed due to poor lighting conditions.

Thabana said the Welkom and Bloemfontein diving units were activated on Sunday morning to continue the search.

The boy's motionless body was retrieved from the quarry at approximately 8.15am.

"He was pronounced deceased by emergency medical services personnel," Thabana said.

Police have opened an inquest docket to investigate the circumstances surrounding the drowning.

"The circumstances leading to the fatal drowning will form part of police investigations," Thabana said.

She urged parents and guardians to educate children about water safety and ensure they understand the dangers of swimming in unsafe areas.

"Teach children to ask for permission before going near water. Children are encouraged to swim in designated and supervised areas only," she said.