Police in Mpumalanga have opened an inquest following the tragic drowning of a two-year-old boy in Msholozi C, Whiteriver, on Tuesday, 13 January 2026.
According to information provided by the child’s mother, Ms Thapiseng Mnisi, the family lives near a stream. She reported that the toddler, Sibusiso Mnisi, had been asleep inside the house when she briefly left to cross the stream. Unbeknown to her, the child followed her outside.
It is alleged that the boy attempted to cross the stream on his own but was swept away by a strong current. Emergency medical personnel were summoned to the scene, along with other relevant authorities, where the child was declared deceased.
A case of an inquest has been opened to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, expressed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. He also urged community members to exercise extreme caution during the current wet weather conditions, warning that overflowing streams, rivers and dams pose serious danger, especially to children.