BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa — The drowning of a 20-year-old man in a notorious local quarry has raised alarm over the ongoing dangers posed by the man-made body of water, known as the “Quarry of Death.” Benjamin van Wyk reportedly drowned on Thursday, October 16, while swimming in the Witherow quarry, and five days later, his body has yet to be recovered.
Authorities conducted an extensive search after the incident, but the effort was hampered by poor visibility and treacherous conditions. Dive teams from the Welkom unit employed various techniques but were unable to locate van Wyk’s remains. Sgt. Mahlomola Kareli, spokesperson for the Free State police, indicated that the search may have been complicated by underwater currents moving the body to deeper portions of the quarry, which can reach depths of up to 50 meters.
The quarry has a troubling history, with community advocates estimating that nearly 50 people have drowned there over the years, predominantly young individuals. In June 2024, a memorial service marked the tragic losses of these lives, recalling victims from as far back as 2000. Among those whose names are remembered is Dustin Kukari, along with Reginald Manie Ruiters, both of whom also succumbed to the quarry’s dangerous waters.
Officials have confirmed that an inquest has been opened to investigate the circumstances surrounding van Wyk’s death. According to preliminary reports, he was swimming with two companions when he encountered difficulties after jumping into the water.
The Witherow quarry, established in the 1970s for tile and brick production, is situated about 500 meters from the nearest neighborhood. Its transformation into a swimming site has brought with it a myriad of risks, particularly for children seeking relief from the intense summer heat in Bloemfontein, compounded by the absence of a local swimming pool.
Despite community petitions for safety measures, the quarry remains unfenced and unregulated, fostering not only tragic drownings but also escalating criminal activities. Local residents report numerous incidents of robbery, drug trafficking, and other violent crimes within the vicinity of the quarry.
This site continues to pose a significant risk to the safety of Heidedal’s youth, and its status as a dangerous area highlights the urgent need for intervention to safeguard the community. Activists emphasize that without proactive measures, the quarry will remain a perilous attraction and a site of sorrow—a grim reality that calls for immediate attention from local authorities.