Tragedy has struck the community of Midrand following the untimely death of a seven-year-old learner, Nsuku Mabunda, a Grade 2 pupil at Noordwyk Primary School. The young boy tragically drowned after falling into a deep, water-filled pit in President Park on Friday, 10 October 2025.
According to family members, Nsuku had left home around 1:00 p.m. with a group of friends, as he often did after school. The children were reportedly walking along a familiar footpath between President Park and Allandale View, commonly used by residents as a shortcut. What began as an ordinary afternoon quickly turned into a heartbreaking tragedy when Nsuku accidentally fell into a 10-metre-deep pit hidden along the path.
Witnesses say the pit was filled with murky water and had no warning signs or barriers to alert the public to the danger. It remains unclear who owns the land or is responsible for maintaining and securing the pit
One of Nsuku’s friends, terrified by what had happened, immediately ran to inform his mother. In a panic, the distraught woman alerted Nsuku’s uncle, Xolani Hadebe, who rushed to the scene to help.
Hadebe recounted the horrifying moments that followed. “I jumped in to get him out,” he said. “The pit was deep and full of water. We pulled him out and tried CPR before rushing him to the Ebony Park Clinic. He was still breathing faintly on the way, but just a few metres from the clinic, he coughed and then… he was gone.
Describing his nephew, Hadebe’s voice broke with emotion. “Nsuku was such a brave, loving child — always full of energy and curiosity. He was the kind of boy who made everyone smile. Losing him this way is something no family should ever have to experience.”
The tragic news has shaken the Noordwyk Primary School community, which expressed deep sorrow in a heartfelt statement shared on social media:
“Our hearts go out to Nsuku’s family, siblings, and friends during this heartbreaking time. As a school community, we are deeply saddened by this loss and stand together in grief and remembrance of a bright young soul who will be dearly missed.”
Community members have since voiced concern about the presence of dangerous, unfenced pits in the area. Many are calling on local authorities to investigate and take urgent action to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
For now, the Mabunda family is left mourning a young life cut short far too soon — a child remembered for his bright spirit, his laughter, and the promise he carried.
KAE News extends its deepest condolences to the Mabunda family during this devastating time, as Midrand unites in grief over the loss of one of its youngest members.
