By John Muyamba
RUNDU – A pre-Christmas tragedy struck late on Wednesday afternoon when a boy, 6, drowned at Rundu Beach which is becoming increasingly notorious for its noise pollution by wayward revellers.
The child whose body was yet to be found yesterday, went missing hours after the adults in whose company he was had finished their partying.
At this stage there is speculation as to what might have happened as there is also the possibility the child was taken by a crocodile seen lurking in the vicinity of the beach.
But sources at the town said if the latest incident is confirmed, it will bring to 30 the number of drownings at the site known for its noisy, late-night parties and binge drinking by roisterers.
“The child disappeared in the water with many other kids around, including my own nephews and nieces. The worst part is the police were called several times, but they never showed up,” said a very upset Joana Beirao, one of the merrymakers.
Ironically after the incident on Wednesday the festive season wild early parties continued until way beyond midnight, resulting in complaints by tourists booked in at the Tambuti and other lodges.
Yesterday afternoon the Regional Police Commander for Kavango East, Commissioner Johanna Ngondo, held a meeting with the CEO of Rundu, Romanus Haironga, the owners of Mashare and Tambuti lodges and other stakeholders on disturbances at the beach.
It was decided the people granted licences to sell alcohol and play music on the beach should strictly operate within the provisions of the law.
It was agreed music should not be played beyond 24h00 and there should be strict enforcement of laws regulating the playing of loud music.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Ngondo cautioned residents and visitors taking their children to the river to be extra vigilant and not to let them out of sight as anything can happen.
“I am appealing to residents and visitors of Kavango East Region who intend to socialize along the river to be extra cautious as drownings are on the increase and that is a serious concern. Take care of your little ones,” Ngondo appealed to parents.
“Incidents of drowning have occurred on different occasions in the Kavango River and that is very shocking,” stated Ngondo.
Haironga said the Rundu Town Council does not have immediate plans to deploy lifeguards over the next five years.