07 Apr 2025

The body of a 16-year-old boy who fell into Chobe River in Kasane on April 6 has been retrieved on April 7.

In an interview, Botswana Police Service Officer Commanding District No.7 Senior Superintendent Meshack Pulenyane said the body was retrieved in the vicinity of the private jetty where he fell.

He said the body was taken to Kasane Primary Hospital where he was certified dead.

Senior Supt Pulenyane also highlighted that upon the retrieval, the deceased’s family confirmed his identity.

Senior Supt Pulenyane said the boy, together with his two friends, was taking pictures at a private jetty by the river where people board and disembark boats.

He indicated that the boy was a Form Three learner at Chobe Junior Secondary School in Kasane.

He stated that investigations continued in order to establish what could have transpired during the events leading to the incident.

Senior Supt Pulenyane warned that Chobe River was a dangerous area because of its depth and it harboured dangerous animals like crocodiles and hippos.

He implored parents to keep a close eye on their children to ensure they did not go near the river.

The police boss said it was disheartening to lose young people year in and year out at the river.

“This river is very dangerous, which requires law enforcement, government departments, schools and parents to join hands and raise awareness, especially on our children to stay away from the river,” he noted. Ends