By: Natasha Archary

A 11-year old child has drowned at the Harry Gwala social housing project in Wattville, after falling into a deep excavation trench filled with water.
The community of Watville say the boy’s death could have been avoided if the fence around the excavation site was not stolen.
As reported by police, the children were swimming in the trench when one of the boy’s went missing.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo says an inquest has been opened.
“It is reported that children were swimming when one of them disappeared in the water. Police search and rescue teams were summoned the victim’s body was retrieved.
Police have opened an inquest docket after an 11-year old child drowned while they were swimming in stagnant water following heavy rainfall in Wattville.”
On Monday, 12 February MEC for Human Settlements and Infrastructure Development Lebogang Maile will visit the family of the 11-year old.
In a statement by the Gauteng Provincial Government, it has been alleged that the boy who drowned was pushed into the trench where other children were swimming.
The MEC’s office says the Harry Gwala housing project started in 2018 and has experienced stoppages due to various reasons including serious vandalism.
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