White River – Thapiseng Mnisi is living through the worst nightmare a mother could endure.
Her two-year-old son, Sibusiso Mnisi, whom she had left asleep in her home, woke up, wandered out of the house, and drowned in a nearby stream.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndabane said the tragedy occurred on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, at a flooded stream in Msholozi, near White River, Mpumalanga.
The police spokesperson said the family resides near the flooded stream.
Mnisi reported that her son was asleep inside the house when she left and crossed the stream.
Unbeknownst to her, her child followed when she left the house.
“It is alleged that the boy attempted to cross the stream on his own but was swept away by the strong current and drowned,” lamented Lieutenant Colonel Ndubane.
“All relevant stakeholders were summoned to the scene, and emergency medical personnel certified the child dead.
“A case of an inquest has been opened for further investigation.”
Earlier this week, the South African Weather Service issued an Orange Level 9 and 6 severe weather warning for Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and Gauteng.
