By Staff Reporter
PHALABORWA-The community of Mashishimale Village in Phalaborwa gathered in mourning on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, to bid farewell to 17-year-old Tshepo Shai, who tragically lost his life after being swept away by the overflowing Selati River during recent floods in the area.
Tshepo was among two teenage boys reported missing after being caught in strong river currents at Mashishimale Village in the Namakgale policing area on Sunday, 18 January 2026.
Following an extensive search by SAPS divers, their bodies were later recovered by authorities.
Tshepo’s body was found near the Selati River close to Maune Village on Wednesday, 21 January, while the body of 16-year-old Steven Mahlatse Shai was recovered near Mosemaneng Village the following day. Both were positively identified by their families.
According to information provided by police and community members, the two boys were part of a group of four teenagers who had gone to the river near a bridge while water levels were dangerously high due to flooding.
The incident has once again highlighted the risks posed by swollen rivers during the rainy season.
Tshepo Shai was laid to rest in Tshubje, Mashishimale, as family, friends and community members paid their final respects.
Emotional scenes marked the funeral as mourners described him as a respectful, energetic young man whose life was cut short far too soon.
Authorities have renewed their call for parents and guardians to caution children against swimming or playing near rivers during periods of heavy rain, as water levels and currents can change rapidly and become deadly.
The tragedy has left the Mashishimale community in deep sorrow, as they continue to grieve the loss of two young lives taken by the floods.
