THE stream is often visited by izangoma.
And they throw money into the stream before they perform rituals to appease the river snake so it doesn’t attack them.
But three boys, aged 12 and 13, were attracted to this money.
So they got into the stream in Etwatwa, Ekurhuleni, on 18 April and tried to collect it.
However, only two came back, while Bashimane Ndlovu (13) disappeared in the raging stream and was found the next day floating in the water.
Izangoma believe the boys must have angered the river snake and that is why one of them is dead.
Daily Sun visited the stream on Wednesday, 27 April, but the water had subsided and izangoma could be seen performing rituals not far from where the boy was swept up.
“This stream is very deep and we always pray and speak to the snake because we are invading its territory. We throw in money to ask for permission,” said a sangoma.
“We appeal to parents to warn their children not to come here because this stream is very dangerous.”
Bashimane’s mother, Malefu (41), said they became worried when her son didn’t come home. They searched for him and he was found the following day after they were led to the stream by his two friends.
The family discovered some of the money believed to have been taken from the stream in the pockets of his trousers.
Community leader Tebogo Botolo appealed to the municipality to fence off the area to avoid more accidents.
“Kids are kids. They get attracted and some swim in the stream because they don’t see a danger. We made donations to the family to help with the burial because they are destitute. We appeal to boys to stay away from that stream,” said Botolo.
Bashimane was buried on Wednesday, 27 April.
Sangoma Khethiwe Ndlovu said it was dangerous to take money that had been tossed in the river or stream to appease the river snake.
Etwatwa Police Station spokeswoman Sergeant Khensani Mathebula said an inquest docket was opened.
