Public assault man blamed for child’s drowning in Hazelmere

A man was assaulted by the public after he was blamed for a 7-year-old boy drowning in Hazelmere – KZN.

Residents contacted Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) at approximately 15:46 requesting assistance after a child was suspected to have drowned. All available Reaction Officers and RUSA Medics were dispatched to the river leading to Hazelmere Dam. The RUSA Helicopter lifted shortly thereafter and conducted an extensive search without success.

The family of the child became enraged after it was alleged that he disappeared underwater during horseplay. An adult male allegedly placed the boy on his back and dived into the river when the minor lost his grip and drowned. A group of between 15 and 20 other bathers attempted to search for the boy but he could not be located. The missing boy’s family and members of the community began assaulting the man with their fists and sticks.

Law Enforcement Officers intervened and removed the man from the scene. The child’s body was later recovered.