THE City of Ekurhuleni has denied having 'blood' on its hands.
This after an incident that has led to the drowning of an 11-year-old boy on Saturday, 10 February, in a sewer trench.
According to the municipality, the contractor building RDP flats in Wattville, Ekurhuleni, had taken precautions by fencing off the sewer trench dug seven years ago, but it was stolen.
Zweli Dlamini, spokesman for the City of Ekurhuleni, said it was unfortunate that an innocent life was lost due to thuggery.
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"The place was fenced off with signage stating it's dangerous, but crooks stole the fence and signage. Today, we mourn the loss of an innocent child," said Dlamini.
Luyanda Phakathi drowned after being pushed inside the water-filled trench in Wattville, Ekurhuleni.
The deadly bare site now attracts young boys who swim in it.
Luyanda was with two friends who had invited to him swim in the trench, but he refused.
He drowned in the water-filled trench after he was allegedly pushed by a nyaope addict while refusing to swim with friends.
Luyanda allegedly hit a rock in the water and drowned.
His friends went to call nearby residents who jumped into the water to search for him, but couldn't find him.
Police divers were called to the scene, and they found his lifeless body an hour later.
His mum, Nolwazi Phakathi (37), said her son had a gash in the forehead when he was found.
Wattville residents appealed to maspala to close the trench as more kids are going to die.
"We need to come up with a solution to the problem at hand. We can't always guard our kids," said a resident.
Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said an inquest docket has been opened, and investigations are ongoing, with a 16-year-old nyaope addict arrested in connection with the incident.
