Maitengwe mourn as drowned youth laid to rest
Tears flowed freely in Maitengwe on Tuesday afternoon as a popular youth from the village was laid to rest.
25-year-old Ontiretse Keagile was last seen alive on Sunday 21 November accompanying a friend to Zimbabwe on foot.
His lifeless body was found floating along Maitengwe River three days later, his bloated corpse spotted by congregants of a church, who had gone to the bush for evening prayers.
Although the police were called, night had already fallen, meaning scuba divers were only able to retrieve Keagile’s body the following day (Thursday 25 November).
Initially there had been speculation the young man was killed in a ritual murder, with rumours rife that he was discovered with his eyes missing. However, the post mortem confirmed he drowned and no foul play is suspected.
Described as kind, well behaved and a passionate church goer, Keagile is survived by four siblings.
His older brother, Obvious Moshozheli, 34, agreed to talk to The Voice but requested we don’t take his picture.
“My brother took his friend, who was going to Zimbabwe, halfway. That was 10 days ago and is the last time I saw him alive. Apparently they crossed the river and he left her by the border fence. Upon returning, I suspect he re-crossed [the river] at a different point and drowned,” disclosed Moshozheli in hushed, hurt tones.
“The rain had rained heavily and the river was full. There are many parts in the river where people dig for sand and leave open pits; my brother fell in one of the pits. He died where people hardly pass that is why he was only found after some days,” continued Moshozheli, his grief reflected in the faces of the countless mourners who turned up in their numbers to bid Keagile goodbye.
Meanwhile, in a brief interview with The Voice, Tutume Station Commander, Jerry Halahala confirmed investigations into the tragedy were complete.
“He was certified dead at the local clinic. These is the second case of drowning recorded in our jurisdiction this year,” revealed the Superintendent, before urging the public to alert the police if they catch anyone mining sand in the river.
“They must know that they need a permit to dig for sand because they put people’s lives at risk,” warned the top cop.
