4-year-old Phologo Machaba dies from choking on a marula fruit

The police in Witpoort near Lephalale, under the Waterberg District, are urging parents and guardians to be very careful and watchful to keep their children safe.

This request comes after a sad incident on Thursday, January 18, 2024, around 7:15 in Kauletsi village, where a four-year-old girl named Phologo Machaba passed away after choking on a marula fruit.

Marula fruit

Phologo was playing with other kids when she accidentally swallowed a marula fruit, and it got stuck in her throat, causing her to choke.

Despite being taken to Witpoort hospital urgently, doctors couldn’t save her, and she was declared dead upon arrival. The police are now investigating this unfortunate event as an inquest case.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Scheepers, emphasized how important it is for parents and guardians to always know where their children are and to be aware of potential dangers.

It’s crucial, especially with young children, to never leave them alone while they’re eating fruits like marula, as these can be a serious choking risk. The police investigation is ongoing.

In a seperate incident, a 5-year-old girl, Keeya Mbulaw, died two days after she was reportedly abducted from her home in Protea Glen, Johannesburg, on January 15, 2024, by a woman living in the same yard.

Keeya Mbulawa

She was playing with other kids when the Nonhle Matsebula who resided with Keeya’s family, allegedly abducted her.

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