Two children drown in Free State dam
The bodies of two 11-year-old children have been recovered from a dam in the Free State, police reported on Monday.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Thabo Litabe said the bodies were retrieved from the dam in Meloding near Virginia by the Bloemfontein police’s diving unit at around midday on Sunday.
“Thomas Mbuyane and Puleng Agnes Motsoeneng from Meloding in Virginia were playing with other children on Saturday when they decided to go for a swim in a dam between one of the old mines and Meloding township, where they drowned,” Litabe said.
Two inquest dockets were registered at Virginia police station for further investigation.
Police said it was envisaged that incidents of this nature were likely to continue due to the current heat wave, especially where “children are left alone, neglected or unsupervised”.
“Parents are therefore warned to take the necessary measures to ensure the safety of their children at all times,” Litabe said. “Children should also be advised not to play around dams, water streams and rivers. Be vigilant and enjoy your holidays in a safe way.