In a heartbreaking incident in Duduza, Ekurhuleni, a six-year-old boy and his five-year-old sister tragically drowned in a local dam over the weekend.
The siblings, Siyabonga Qulu (6) and Keletso Qulu (5), reportedly lost their lives after venturing to a nearby dam located in the Emawageni (Waiting Area) informal settlement. The children were said to have been drawn to a small, makeshift boat that had been left floating in the water — an attraction that many local children found irresistible.
According to residents, the tragedy occurred on Thursday, 2 October 2025, when the children went to the dam with a friend. It is believed that the boat capsized, causing both siblings to drown. In the aftermath, the community, deeply shaken by the loss, burned the boat on Monday, 6 October, in an effort to prevent similar tragedies from happening again.
Their older brother, Ayola Qulu, described the devastating moments after he learned what had happened. He said a friend had rushed to inform him, prompting him to run to the dam in hopes of saving his siblings. “I tried to pump the water out of their chests and they were taken to Lucky Mkhwanazi Clinic in Zamane, Duduza. Nurses tried to resuscitate them, but they were declared dead,” Ayola said tearfully. He also revealed that he had to personally retrieve their bodies from the water.
Their mother, Philiswa Qulu, was at work in Nigel when she received the devastating call. Speaking through her grief, she said, “I just can’t believe that my kids are gone. They were so close and loved doing everything together. I’m going to miss them deeply.”
The Ekurhuleni police have since opened an inquest docket to investigate the circumstances surrounding the drowning. Captain Nelda Sekgobela, the district police spokesperson, confirmed that the case is under investigation and assured that authorities would thoroughly examine all details.
Local residents have expressed their sorrow and anger, urging parents and guardians to remain vigilant and to ensure that children do not play near bodies of water unsupervised. Many also called on local authorities to install safety barriers or warning signs around the dam to prevent more fatalities.
Community leaders have described the Qulu siblings’ deaths as a wake-up call. “We’ve been warning about the dangers of that dam for years,” one resident said. “Children are naturally curious, and without proper fencing, tragedies like this will keep happening.”
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The dam, situated roughly two kilometres from the Qulu family’s home, has long been a spot where children gather to play. With its calm surface and makeshift boat, it appeared harmless to the young ones — but for Siyabonga and Keletso, it became the site of an unimaginable tragedy.
As the Duduza community continues to mourn, their loss serves as a painful reminder of the importance of child safety and community vigilance around open water sources.
