Friends Katlego Tlakala (17) and Keabetswe Ntsakisi (19) from Kagiso, in Mogale City, found themselves in the middle of a tornado and ran to hide behind a wall.
But the wall fell on them, killing Katlego. Keabetswe's leg was injured.
Residents said they believe the tornado was a river snake from the nearby Rietvallei River.
"There are strange things happening in that river and we have warned people not to go there at midday because the snake leaves the water to bask in the sun," said Katlego's grandmother, Jane. "We have invaded its area, that's why it gets upset."
Another resident, Rachel Sechotlho, agreed with Jane.
She said two years ago, she went to the river with a friend to fetch water for their church.
"As we were collecting water, a tall man with dreadlocks came to us and asked what we were doing in his river. We were nervous because we didn't know where he came from," she said.
"He showed us where to get water and told us to leave immediately because we were not supposed to be there at that time. He helped us fill our containers and we left.
"When we looked back, the man had disappeared. We believe it was a snake that had changed itself into a human being."
Warrant Officer Solomon Sibiya of Kagiso police said an inquest docket had been opened. He confirmed that the strong wind lasted for only a short time.
Source - Dailysun
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