24-Year-Old Man Drowns While Fleeing Police

A 24-year-old man drowned in the Somerset West Reservoir, Western Cape while attempting to evade police. The confrontation ignited when officers noticed the suspect throwing stones at passing vehicles.

Details of the Encounter

The police, represented by spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk, explained that on Monday morning, at approximately 9:30 AM, officers driving along Old Sir Lowry’s Pass Road witnessed the young man engaging in reckless behaviour.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Soweto Child Drowns At Joburg Water Contractor Site

Upon intervening, they advised him to cease throwing stones, warning that such actions could lead to serious accidents.

Investigation and Aftermath

Ignoring the officers’ warnings, the man continued his aggressive behaviour towards both the police and their vehicle. In an attempt to escape, he fled towards the reservoir and ultimately submerged in the water.

Emergency police divers were promptly dispatched to the scene, and by 1:52 PM, they had recovered his body, which was subsequently declared dead on the scene.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Kruger National Park Employee Drowns In Swimming Pool

The police are currently investigating the drowning incident while also opening two additional cases for common assault and malicious damage to property. Saheed Badroodien, the Mayco member for water and sanitation, stated that the water supply to the reservoir was temporarily disconnected during recovery efforts.

Following the incident, the reservoir was drained, flushed, and disinfected. They are taking water quality samples and will only reinstate the supply once the lab confirms that it meets the SANS 241 water quality standards.