Authorities on high alert following four Northern Cape drownings

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has advised the public of rising water levels and said authorities were on high alert after four people are believed to have drowned in the Delportshoop and Barkly West area since last month. 

The funeral of ten year old Kagisho Shaun Tswaile who drowned near Delportshoop on New Year's Day was held on January 6 in De Beershoogte. 

His body was retrieved on January 4 after he is believed to have accompanied friends on horseback to cross the river. 

Northern Cape police said rescue operations were still ongoing following another possible drowning near Barky West on January 1. It is believed that the deceased was washed away by a strong current when he went fishing. 

Rising water levels

DWS Northern Cape spokesperson Amogelang Moholoeng said dam and river levels had increased as water had been released from the Bloemhof and Vanderkloof dam this week. 

"The Vaal River downstream of the Bloemhof Dam is flowing at an average of 300 cubic metres per second (m3/s) up to Douglas. The Orange River from Vanderkloof Dam released just over 400m3/s on January 4. The flow was increased on January 5 to 800 m3/s due to rising dam levels. By Wednesday, January 7, the flow is expected to rise to 100m3/s downstream of the confluence, where the Lower Vaal meets with the Lower Orange River."

He indicated that it was unfortunate that four bodies were recovered following suspected drownings since early December 2025 - including three bodies in the area of Delpoortshoop and one near Barkly West.

Moholoeng advised against fishing or swimming in flooded rivers and dams.

"Farming communities along the river system are strongly advised to adjust water pumps and to remove livestock and mining equipment out and away from the river due to the expected rise in water levels. Provincial disaster teams, district and local authorities should be on high alert to implement necessary measures to avoid loss of human lives, livestock, and damage to property," he said.